Police dismantle HSV rebirthing scheme

Investigators have seized eight HSVs and a slew of stolen car parts worth an estimated $1.5 million following raids of an alleged vehicle rebirthing ring in Melbourne’s northern and south-eastern suburbs.

Victoria Police carried out searches at properties in Keysborough, Carrum Downs, and Brookfield on Tuesday morning, uncovering a total of 10 vehicles.

While most were HSV models, a Toyota LandCruiser and Jeep Grand Cherokee were also found. Police allege VIN and engine numbers had been removed or replaced.

Rebirthing is the illegal practice of changing identification numbers on stolen or crashed cars, making it easier for them to be sold without being detected.

Looking for your next car? We'll help you research and compare so you choose with confidence.

According to authorities, the vehicles had been stolen from across Melbourne and possibly from interstate.

Number plates, engines, transmissions, wheels, and various body parts were also seized during the operation – all alleged to be stolen.

Three men have been arrested and charged with multiple offences, including several counts of theft of a motor vehicle.

One of the men, a 23-year-old from Brookfield, was also charged with seven counts of breaching bail.

The news comes as a Victoria Police leak revealed detectives have been forced to scale back fingerprint and DNA testing on stolen vehicles due to soaring crime and limited resources.

Car theft has skyrocketed in recent years, with the Insurance Council of Australia claiming a vehicle is stolen or broken into every 42 minutes in Victoria – causing a 25 per cent increase in insurance premiums.

As reported by CarExpert in March 2026, the number of stolen cars in the state has jumped to its highest level in 25 years, going up by 96.9 per cent since 2023.

In 2025, the insurance industry received $243 million worth of claims – up from just $46 million in 2023.

Figures from Victoria Police in late 2025 revealed child offenders were over-represented, with 1128 youths being taken into custody at least once every eight weeks.

Though there were fewer children arrested year-on-year, the total number of arrests in the southern state increased by almost 27 per cent.

MORE: The troubling numbers behind Victoria's car theft crisis