Victoria Police has charged three youths following an investigation into a series of alleged high-harm crimes including robberies and assaults in the north-western and southern suburbs of Melbourne.
Detectives from the Echo Taskforce Gang Squad, in conjunction with Wayward Taskforce and Brimbank Embona have worked hard to identify and locate a number of persons of interest in relation to a series of alleged robberies and thefts that occurred.
A trio were arrested yesterday as part of the ongoing investigation.
Two teens were arrested following an alleged robbery that occurred in Sunshine West on 17 June.
A 64-year-old man was walking on the footpath adjacent to Callaway Boulevard Reserve when he was approached by three males.
The trio allegedly dragged the victim onto the oval and assaulted him before stealing the man’s wallet, two mobile phones, and a jacket.
The victim was left unconscious on the oval where he was later found and taken to hospital with serious injuries following the alleged incident.
The pair has also been charged in relation to attempted theft of motor vehicle that occurred in Heywood Grove, Endeavour Hills on Saturday 20 June.
A 14-year-old Deer Park teenager has been charged with:
• Possess drug of dependence;
• Theft of motor vehicle;
• Theft of petrol;
• Attempted car-jacking;
• Theft; and
• Assault
The 15-year-old Footscray West teen has been charged with:
• Robbery;
• Assault;
• Attempt to obtain property by deception;
• Possess drug of dependant;
• Theft of motor vehicle;
• Theft of petrol;
• Attempted car-jacking; and
• Theft
They were remanded yesterday and will be presented before a Magistrate at a Children’s Court today.
A 19-year-old from Truganina man has been charged in relation to separate matters.
He has been charged with obtain property by deception, two counts of possess drug of dependence and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
He will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.
Echo Taskforce Detective Acting Inspector Alan Rumble said police had been working around the clock to bring those targeting vulnerable members of our community before the courts.
“We’ve been seeing small groups of two or three youths target victims across the south as well as in the north-west,” he said.
“They are stealing valuables such as wallets, mobile phones as well as vehicles.”
“This offending has led to serious high-harm offences being committed, which have a significant impact on the community’s safety and feelings of safety.
“Our detectives have been working around the clock to investigate these crimes and hold offenders to account.”
“Our message to those committing these offences is very clear – police will continue to investigate these incidents to ensure you do not continue to inflict harm on the Victorian community.”
Investigations remain ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
