Melbourne Man Found Asleep in Stolen Car in Southbank

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A 30-year-old man has been arrested after police discovered him asleep in the back of a stolen vehicle parked outside a fast-food restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD early Sunday morning.

The silver Toyota LandCruiser had earlier been reported stolen from a property in Balaclava on 20 July. At approximately 1:30am on 27 July, the vehicle was spotted travelling through the suburb of Melton, prompting police to begin tracking its movements.

Over the course of the next hour, the stolen vehicle was seen driving through multiple suburbs, including Thomastown, Preston, Thornbury, Fairfield, Alphington, Clifton Hill, Fitzroy, and Abbotsford, before eventually arriving in the Southbank area.

Police located the vehicle shortly after it stopped at a fast-food outlet on City Road in Southbank. Upon inspection, officers found a man asleep in the back seat. He was arrested at the scene without incident. Authorities confirmed the man has no fixed address. He has not yet been formally interviewed, and no charges have been laid at this stage.

The individual believed to be driving the vehicle reportedly entered the restaurant moments before police arrived but fled the scene on foot. Police are continuing to search for the suspect and are working to establish his identity.

The recovered Toyota LandCruiser has since been transported for forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

Victoria Police have appealed for public assistance, urging anyone who may have witnessed the vehicle or suspicious behaviour in the Southbank area in the early hours of 27 July to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

The arrest forms part of broader efforts by Victoria Police to curb vehicle theft and related offences across Melbourne. In recent months, authorities have increased surveillance and mobile patrol operations, particularly in suburban and inner-city areas known for rising auto theft incidents.

No injuries were reported during the incident, and police have confirmed that no other vehicles or individuals were directly affected. Further updates will be provided once the investigation progresses, and formal interviews are completed.