Three youths have been arrested following alleged thefts from bottle shops and stores across Melbourne.
Between Friday 18 August and Tuesday 22 August 2023, police will allege six bottle shops and two stores were targeted in Bentleigh, Burwood, Cheltenham, Clarinda, Fitzroy, Hampton, and Montrose, where alcohol, cigarettes and cash were stolen.
Police have been told employees were threatened, however, were not harmed.
Following enquiries, detectives from the Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit arrested three youths about midday today:
• A 12-year-old boy from Dandenong was charged with burglary, theft and committing indictable offence whilst on bail.
• A 14-year-old boy from Noble Park was charged with aggravated burglary, unlawful assault, theft and committing indictable offence whilst on bail.
• A 16-year-old boy from Hallam was charged with armed robbery, aggravated burglary, theft and committing indictable offence whilst on bail.
All three youths are expected to appear at an out of sessions hearing this evening.
It follows the arrests of four boys ranging in age from 12-16 on August 18, over the alleged swarming of 28 separate liquor stores and supermarkets across Melbourne between 3 August and 15 August 2023.
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
