TWO Wodonga males are facing charges after a string of car thefts, drag racing, a police pursuit and arson.
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Police arrived at Magnolia Crescent yesterday to doorknock residents after a car was stolen and set alight in a nearby reserve on Tuesday morning.
After arriving in the street, they noticed a Ford Focus parked in Wattle Court in an odd position.
A 23-year-old man and 16-year-old youth left the vehicle when spotted by officers before being questioned and arrested.
Both live near the area where the car was found.
Police allege the had been stolen from Henty the previous night.
The keys to the Ford had been inside the Henty home before being taken, and were found on one of the two.
The car was towed from the scene for forensic analysis.
The arrests followed five vehicle thefts in the region — including the Ford theft — which police believe are linked.
A white Holden Commodore and Nissan Pulsar were seen drag racing before being set alight, one at the Old Stock Route and the other at Tooley Park.
A stolen Kia Carnival was also involved in a short police pursuit in Melrose Drive reaching 100km/h.
It was found near Henty early yesterday with a seized engine.
The duo allegedly stole the Ford to return to Wodonga. A 1991 Blue Toyota Camry sedan was also stolen from Culcairn around the same time.
That car remains missing.
The pair both face two charges of bringing stolen goods into Victoria, two theft of motor vehicles charges, two arson charges and failing to stop a motor vehicle.
Wodonga Magistrates Court yesterday heard the man allegedly had a drug habit and extensive criminal history.
He will return to court today.
Police want help to locate the Toyota Camry, registered with plate number VMJ925 along with information on the other incidents.