Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested seven youths on Friday (July 28), 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 Chelt-enham, Parkdale and Rosebud areas between Monday, June 5, and Sunday, July 23.
Police will allege some of the charges relate to the alleged serious assault of a 15-year-old girl at a shopping centre in Chelt-enham.
It is believed a group of teenagers approached two girls inside the store near a cinema about 3.15pm on Sunday, July 23, when a verbal altercation occurred.
One girl ran from the scene and the second girl, aged 15, was said to be seriously assaulted.
She was taken to hospital for observation.
A 13-year-old boy from Oakleigh South was charged.
It is believed all parties are known to each other.
Following enquiries, Police arrested seven youths on Saturday (July 29);
• 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.
Sgt Mick Fer-werder from Moo-rabbin 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.
“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.