By MELISSA MEEHAN
FIVE people have been charged over the burglary of iPads and other computers at more than 60 schools in the Yarra Ranges, Knox, Maroondah, and Whitehorse areas.
Lilydale CIU Detective Senior Constable Rod Newberry said police had been investigating the theft of over 270 iPads and computers since July.
He said that a 30-year-old man from Rowville was picked up by uniform police at a school in Croydon and interviewed before police issued five warrants in Rowville, Mooroolbark, Lilydale and Vermont.
Det Sen Const Newberry said once the man from Rowville was interviewed by police they were able to check his phone records and associates which led police to a storage facility where police were able to recover 53 stolen computers.
“We picked him up and were able to get a little bit of information from him,” Det Sen Const Newberry said.
“But after that, we were able to go through his phone records, and most of his calls were to the other four that we charged.
“But that’s not all, investigations are ongoing.”
The 30-year-old Rowville man was charged with possession of stolen goods and other drug offences.
Three men from Mooroolbark including a 26-year-old, 27-year-old and 29-year-old, were charged with burglary.
A 21-year-old man was charged with burglary and handling stolen goods.
A 27-year-old female from Rowville is still assisting police with their inquiries.
Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers 1800 333 000.
