WEST FOOTSCRAY, VIC. — Westgate Divisional Response Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance as they investigate a series of aggravated carjackings after a group of six male offenders, who were all riding motorcycles, approached a man on a motorbike on Napier Street, West Footscray, at about 12.20am on Saturday, September 19.
The victim, a 40-year-old man, was pulled over on the side of the road before the offenders boxed him in.
Police were told they assaulted him, then fled with his motorbike.
The man was not seriously injured.
His stolen motorcycle was recovered burnt out in Presidents Park, on McMahon Road in Wyndham Vale, about an hour later.
About ten minutes after the first incident, officers believe members of the same group approached a 32-year-old man travelling west on Sunshine Road on his scooter around 12.30am.
The man attempted to ride away before the group, on four motorcycles, boxed him in and tried to pull him from his bike.
Police were told the man was struck with a wrench and physically assaulted while demands were made for his keys.
The victim was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The group fled the scene with the man’s motorcycle, which remains outstanding at this stage.
Later that night, officers believe the group approached a female rider on Sunshine Road about 11pm.
It is understood the victim, a 27-year-old Wantirna South woman, was shoved from her motorcycle before being continuously punched and kicked.
She was also tasered by the group and assaulted with a baton.
Police were told some of the offenders circled her on their motorbikes while she was being assaulted, before they stole her bike and fled.
She was taken to hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries.
Her motorcycle remains outstanding.
Officers are urging anyone who was driving in the area around the time of the incident to check their dashcam footage.
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
