More than $30 million worth of stolen cars have been recovered in the past six months from criminal “dumping grounds” in Victoria.

More than 1000 cars, mostly stolen by young joyriders, have been found in Dandenong, Cardinia and Casey.

Almost half were taken from those same areas, police said.

As many as 169 cars were stolen during aggravated burglaries, with the estimated value of those vehicles totalling $6.6 million.

High-end European cars were among those recovered, including Maseratis, BMWs, Audis and Mercedes – as well as six Porsches.

Several Range Rovers and Jaguars were also found.

Since January 1, Victoria Police have recovered 468 stolen vehicles in Casey, a further 411 in Dandenong, and 126 in Cardinia.

Almost $16 million worth of stolen vehicles have been recovered in Casey alone since the start of 2024.

Police figures show more than half of vehicles taken across Victoria were from residential streets and public locations such as train stations and shopping centre car parks.

Acting Superintendent Andy McKee said Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia are the worst dumping grounds in the state for stolen vehicles.

“We are generally not seeing cars stolen for profit – youth and child offenders are targeting particular high-end vehicles to joyride at high speeds across the city,” he said on Tuesday.

“Police hold strong concerns around young children with little to no formal driving experience behind the wheel of stolen vehicles on the roads and putting innocent motorists in harm’s way.”

– AAP