Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested and charged seven youths yesterday, following a spate of alleged offences in Melbourne’s southern metropolitan region.
The incidents include alleged home invasions and the theft of motor vehicles and petrol, as well as criminal damage, robbery, burglaries, and affrays, in the Cheltenham, Parkdale, and Rosebud areas between Monday 5 June and Sunday 23 July.
Police will allege some of the charges relate to the alleged serious assault of a 15-year-old girl at a shopping centre in Cheltenham at the weekend.
It is believed a group of teenagers approached two girls inside the store near a cinema about 3.15pm on Sunday 23 July, when a verbal altercation occurred.
One girl ran from the scene and the second girl, aged 15, was allegedly seriously assaulted.
She was taken to hospital for observation.
A 13-year-old boy from Oakleigh South was charged and remains before the courts
It’s believed all parties are known to each other.
Following enquiries, police arrested seven youths today:
• A 13-year-old boy Oakleigh South was charged with one count each of aggravated home invasion with an offensive weapon, robbery, and affray.
• A 16-year-old boy Brighton was charged with aggravated home invasion with an offensive weapon, two counts of affray, theft, and theft of a motor vehicle. He was remanded in custody to appear in a children’s court at a later date.
• A 15-year-old boy Mordialloc was charged with aggravated home invasion with an offensive weapon, criminal damage, and affray.
• A 15-year-old boy Mentone was charged with aggravated home invasion with an offensive weapon, and two counts of affray.
• A 14-year-old girl Parkdale was charged with one count of affray and two counts of assault.
• A 15-year-old boy Beaumaris was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, theft, and affray.
• A 16-year-old boy Chelsea was charged with two counts of affray.
They were bailed to appear in a children’s court at a later date.
Sergeant Mick Ferwerder from Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit says Victoria Police is appalled by the behaviour allegedly displayed by the teens, and will continue to actively address youth crime in the region.
“Additional police resources have been tasked to the shopping centre this weekend and Transit Protective Service Officers will be monitoring the transport hubs.
“This is in line with Victoria Police’s approach to detecting and disrupting youth gang behaviour, along with our focus on deterring young people from joining gangs in the first place.
“We know serious offending by youths significantly impacts community safety, and we are doing everything we can to disrupt and prevent youth crime.”
Investigations are continuing and further arrests are expected.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
