It was only around two months ago the Moonee Valley grandstand was full of punters watching Via Sistina win another Cox Plate.
The site is now a demolition zone, and was the centre of a police chase after five men were trying to steal copper from the old grandstand.
Victoria Police said that they arrested five men following a foot chase around the site, with another two caught with the help of the police airwing. One of the men was caught with a “controlled weapon”.
Police say they were called to the Valley around 1:30am after a witness reported seeing flashlights inside the grandstand of the venue on Feehan Avenue.
Police then discovered two men in a bistro area of the racecourse. The pair attempted to flee via the back tunnels but were quickly caught following a foot chase.
A third man was found standing near the entrance of the venue. A search of his nearby vehicle uncovered quantities of drugs.
Police also located a white Mitsubishi with false number plates parked just inside the racecourse. With assistance from the Victoria Police Air Wing, two more suspects were found attempting to flee on foot towards Thomas Street and were arrested shortly after.
All five men were interviewed and subsequently charged.
Those charged include:
A 47-year-old man from Wangaratta, charged with burglary, theft, going equipped to steal, using a false document, and possession of methamphetamine and 1,4-butanediol. He was bailed to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on April 24, 2026.
A 45-year-old Wangaratta man, charged with burglary, attempted theft, and going equipped to steal. He will also face Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on April 24.
A 48-year-old man from Epping, charged with burglary, attempted theft, and possession of methamphetamine. He was bailed to the same court date in Broadmeadows.
A 41-year-old Melton West man, charged with burglary, attempted theft, and going equipped to steal. He is due to appear at Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on January 22, 2026.
A 32-year-old man from Altona Meadows, charged with burglary, attempted theft, possession of a controlled weapon, and going equipped to steal. He was also granted bail.
