Four youths have been arrested following a spate of alleged thefts from bottle shops and supermarkets across Melbourne’s southeast this month.
Between 3 August and 15 August 2023, 28 liquor stores – predominantly in the Glen Eira-Bayside area – were targeted by thieves.
Alcohol, cigarettes, vapes and cash were allegedly stolen from bottle shops and supermarkets in Carnegie, Caulfield South, Malvern East, Brighton, Sandringham, Bentleigh, Armadale, Boxhill, Glen Huntly, Camberwell, Doncaster East, Heatherton, Lower Plenty, Blackburn, Bulleen, Montmorency, St Helena and MacLeod.
Police will allege employees were threatened in some incidents, however, no one was injured.
It is believed the incidents are linked.
Officers have recovered a vehicle – an Audi Q3 – believed to have been stolen in an alleged aggravated burglary in Bulleen on 12 August 2023, before being used in the alleged shop thefts.
Following extensive enquiries, detectives from the Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit arrested a 16-year-old boy from Narre Warren yesterday. He was charged with burglary and three counts of theft.
Following further investigations, detectives – with assistance from the Greater Dandenong Divisional Response Unit – executed warrants at homes in Dandenong and Hallam earlier today, arresting three youths.
• A 12-year-old Dandenong boy was charged with aggravated burglary, five counts of theft, possession of cannabis and trafficking cannabis.
• A 14-year-old Noble Park boy was charged with burglary and theft.
• A 16-year-old Springvale boy was released pending further enquiries.
The 12, 14 and 16-year-olds have been bailed to appear in a children’s court at a later date.
Further arrests are anticipated.
As enquiries continue, anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
