Six teenagers have been arrested and charged following an alleged series of armed robberies across Melbourne’s south-east involving a stolen vehicle and threats with a machete.
Victoria Police allege the group stole a car from Hawthorn in Melbourne’s east on Saturday, July 11, before targeting several businesses in other suburbs.
The first reported robbery occurred at a business in Keysborough shortly after 11:30am. Another business in Noble Park was allegedly robbed just before midday, followed by a third incident in Moorabbin at about 12:30pm.
During the Moorabbin robbery, police allege a machete was used to threaten people inside the business. No information was immediately provided about serious injuries resulting from the incidents.
Police later received reports of a vehicle being driven erratically and repeatedly stopping and starting around Springvale shortly after 2pm.
Officers tracked the allegedly stolen car through Moorabbin and Keysborough before it travelled onto EastLink and the Monash Freeway.
A police vehicle eventually boxed in the car, preventing it from continuing. Officers then deployed capsicum spray inside the vehicle and arrested all six occupants.
The accused range in age from 13 to 18. Police said they include teenagers aged 13, 15, 16, 17 and 18.
One of the accused was released on bail and is expected to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court at a later date. The remaining teenagers are due to appear before a children’s court.
The charges have not yet been tested in court, and all of the accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence.
