Gang Crime Squad detectives arrested seven people this morning as part of their investigation into an alleged series of targeted aggravated home invasions and a violent affray last month.
Today’s activity follows a stabbing in Springvale on June 16, and three aggravated home invasions in Hampton Park, Noble Park and Dandenong on 18 June.
With assistance from the Echo Taskforce, VIPER Taskforce and police from the North West Metro Region, searches were carried out at ten addresses at 6am on Wednesday, 20 July, including properties in Sunshine North (3), St Albans (2), Deer Park (2), Sunshine (2) and Burnside Heights.
Two 18-year-old Sunshine men were charged with aggravated home invasion, attempted aggravated burglary and criminal damage.
The pair faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.
A 19-year-old St Albans man was charged with aggravated home invasion, criminal damage and possess prohibited weapon.
He was remanded in custody until 26 July.
A 17-year-old Sunshine North boy was charged with aggravated home invasion, attempted aggravated burglary and criminal damage.
The teen was remanded in custody and will appear before the court at a later date.
A 17-year-old Sunshine North boy was charged with aggravated home invasion, attempted aggravated burglary, criminal damage and possess prohibited weapon.
He was remanded in custody until 25 July.
A 19-year-old Deer Park man and a 16-year-old Deer Park boy were released and are expected to be charged on summons.
Police also seized a quantity of cash, methylamphetamine, two extendable batons, three machetes and a meat cleaver.
Police believe all of the incidents were targeted.
Residents home at the time of the invasions were physically uninjured, however significant damage was caused to numerous vehicles and both the exterior and interior of the properties.
Police will allege the incidents are a result of escalating tensions between male youths associated with two rival gangs.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Graham Banks, Echo Taskforce:
“This is an excellent result and brings to a total of eight offenders charged with this series of offending. Victoria Police is committed to holding accountable those whose criminal activities cause this level of community harm.
“This type of violence inflicts enormous damage on victims and the broader community.
“Resolving crimes of this nature will always be a priority for Victoria Police and this investigation will remain ongoing until all offenders have been identified and held to account.
“If there are people out there who have knowledge about these groups, then I would continue to urge you to come forward and this can also be done anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
“Detectives from the Gang Crime Squad will continue to actively work to target and disrupt gangs such as this and ensure we prevent them causing further harm to the community.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
