Melbourne Embona Taskforce detectives have charged a man following a series of alleged robberies targeting women in Melbourne’s south.
Police will allege the man followed a woman for approximately five minutes before assaulting her and stealing her shoes.
This occurred near Batman Street in Melbourne West about 3.55am on Monday, 20 December last year.
He then took off in a vehicle.
The 23-year-old woman sustained grazing and bruising during the incident and reported the matter to police.
Detectives later executed a search warrant at an address in Melbourne on Sunday, 26 January and arrested a 31-year-old man.
Police located and seized a number of items including allegedly stolen designer female sneakers and a conducted-energy device.
The man was interviewed and charged with a number of offences including robbery, intentionally cause injury and assault with intent to commit sexual assault.
After further investigation, detectives charged the man over four further robberies where women were allegedly followed, assaulted and had their high-end shoes stolen.
Those alleged incidents occurred at:
• Merton Street, Springvale about 10pm on 19 July 2021
• Springvale Road, Springvale about 9.42pm on 6 October 2021
• Alley off Djerring Trail on Centre Road, near Clayton Railway Station, about 10.30pm on 14 November 2021
• Corner of Thompson Street and Flora Road, near Clayton Railway Station, about 12.10am on 10 January 2022
The Melbourne man has since been remanded in custody to re-appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 21 April 2022.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information in relation to the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
