WERRIBEE, VIC. — Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad on Tuesday afternoon charged a fifth male as part of their investigation into incidents potentially linked to the targeting of hospitality venues.
Investigators will allege that those involved have been targeting promoters for an event held at a licensed venue on York Street on Saturday nights.
A 41-year-old Hoppers Crossing man was arrested in Werribee around 9.45am on Tuesday.
He has since been charged with aggravated home invasion, intentionally causing injury, common law assault and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail.
The man appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 16.
Today’s activity follows an incident where it will be alleged several offenders armed with weapons – including a samurai sword – forced entry into a Templestowe property around 6.15am on Friday, April 10, whilst a family was present.
Two men inside the address, a 67-year-old and a 28-year-old, were allegedly assaulted.
The 67-year-old was conveyed to hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries to his head.
Between April 29 and May 20, four males, including a 22-year-old from Wollert and three 17-year-olds, were charged in relation to several linked incidents.
They will appear at court at a later date.
Operation Eclipse commenced on April 27 to target a range of serious and organised crime syndicates believed to be involved in a series of offending linked to hospitality venues, as well as determining the motive for these attacks.
The operation, led by specialist detectives including the Gang Crime Squad and Arson and Explosives Squad, continues to work closely with local police, in particular regional detectives who continue to respond to and investigate these incidents.
The specialist resources in Operation Eclipse will focus on the organisers and those pulling the strings.
Investigators are continuing to look at all possible motivations behind the offending, including who is involved and why.
Police remain open to a range of possibilities, and we encourage anyone with any information to come forward.
Police continue to have an increased presence in both an overt and a covert capacity throughout these entertainment precincts, including increased patrols of these areas and visits to licensed premises.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
