Six Arrested After Stolen Cars Lead Police on Dramatic Melbourne Freeway Pursuit

Six people have been arrested after an alleged aggravated burglary in Melbourne’s south-east triggered a major police operation and a dramatic pursuit on the Monash Freeway.

Burglary Reported in Brighton East

Police said the incident began shortly after 5:30am on Tuesday, October 6, when an occupant of a property on Clonaig Street in Brighton East was woken by noises inside the home.

Investigators allege that offenders entered the property and stole two vehicles before fleeing the area. No one was injured during the burglary, according to Victoria Police.

The theft quickly developed into a wider police operation as officers worked to locate the stolen vehicles.

Stolen Nissan Tracked Across Melbourne

One of the stolen vehicles, a Nissan four-wheel drive, was later spotted being driven erratically on Eastlink.

Police monitored the vehicle as it travelled through several eastern and south-eastern suburbs. Officers continued tracking it as the operation moved towards Chadstone.

The pursuit eventually brought the stolen vehicle onto the Monash Freeway, one of Melbourne’s busiest major roads.

Police Surround Vehicle Near Chadstone

Shortly after midday, police intercepted the Nissan in Chadstone.

Specialist officers surrounded the vehicle and arrested six people who were inside. Aerial footage showed a large police presence on the freeway as officers detained the occupants.

The dramatic arrest temporarily disrupted traffic, with outbound lanes on the Monash Freeway affected as police secured the scene.

Second Stolen Vehicle Recovered After Crash

The second vehicle allegedly taken during the burglary was also located by police.

It was recovered after being involved in a collision in Endeavour Hills. Police said the circumstances surrounding the crash remained part of the investigation.

Authorities have not indicated that anyone was injured during the police operation or the recovery of the vehicles.

Investigation Continues

The six people arrested remain under investigation and were being interviewed by police. Charges had not been detailed at the time of the initial reports.

The arrests mark the latest stage of an investigation that began with an early-morning burglary and quickly expanded across Melbourne’s south-east.

Police are expected to continue examining the circumstances of the alleged burglary, the theft of the two vehicles and the events that followed before deciding what charges may be laid.

Source: ABC News, October 6, 2026; 7NEWS, October 6, 2026.