POLICE have derailed a crime spree carried out by two men at train stations across the West.
Victoria Police Transit District Response Unit officers arrested a 32-year-old Melton man and a 29-year-old Benalla man last week, following a spate of thefts which targeted train station ticket machines.
On each occasion the ticketing machines were broken into and had cash stolen.
The men were charged in relation to an investigation into 40 incidents which were committed from 29 January until 16 February.
The pair allegedly broke into ticket machines located at stations in Albion, Ginifer, Keilor Plains, Deer Park, Melton, Yarraville, Tottenham, Aircraft, Hoppers Crossing, Little River and Bacchus Marsh.
Police alleged the men even travelled as far as Lara, Ballan, Castlemaine and Tallarook train stations to commit their crimes.
The Melton man was remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last week while the Benalla has been bailed to appear on 17 April.
Both men have been charged with criminal damage and theft related offences.