MELBOURNE, VIC. — Southern Metro Region Crime Squad detectives are investigating a series of 21 offences committed by a group of youths over five days.
Several teenagers stole two vehicles, a white 2026 Haval Jolion and a black 2017 Honda Odyssey now displaying stolen registration plates XUW815, from outside a Glen Waverley gym about 5pm last Monday, September 21.
The offenders have then used these vehicles to rob mostly lone women across Melbourne’s bayside and south-eastern suburbs, including four on Thursday night:
- About 7.45pm a 64-year-old woman was dragged by several offenders and had her groceries stolen while waiting at traffic lights outside Chadstone Shopping Centre;
- A short time later, a woman was punched in the face and had her designer purse stolen outside Chadstone Shopping Centre;
- About 8pm, a woman was shoved to the ground and had her bag stolen on the Princes Highway in Clayton;
- About 8.10pm a woman had her handbag stolen as she left a hairdresser on Bluff Road, Highett;
- About 8.40pm the offenders were loitering at a convenience store on Bluff Road in Black Rock, before chasing a male staff member with a machete. They stole cash. The victim was not physically injured.
In earlier incidents, on Wednesday, September 23, a 74-year-old Beaumaris woman was walking along Beach Road, Beaumaris, when a white Haval SUV stopped nearby.
A young male passenger, wearing a balaclava, exited the vehicle and snatched the woman’s handbag.
A short struggle ensued, during which the woman sustained minor injuries.
The handbag, containing cash and a mobile phone, was stolen.
The male then re-entered the vehicle, which drove away along Beach Road.
The following day, a 54-year-old Highett woman was walking near the intersection of Bluff Road and Highett Road when the same white Haval SUV stopped nearby.
A young male passenger, wearing a balaclava, exited the vehicle and snatched the woman’s bag, which contained personal items, including her purse.
The male then re-entered the vehicle, which drove north along Bluff Road.
The woman was not injured during the incident.
All of the group are believed to be involved in:
- Six robberies;
- One attempted robbery;
- Two armed robberies;
- One attempted aggravated burglary;
- Two aggravated burglaries;
- One burglary;
- One theft of a number plate; and
- Eight petrol drive-offs.
Detectives are investigating and appeal to anyone with information to come forward.
In response to the incidents, local police have increased proactive patrols in the area to provide a highly visible police presence and reassurance to the community.
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
