By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
FIVE Apex arrests made over the weekend haven’t slowed down the violent south east gang.
The infamous criminals viciously attacked a driver with a baseball bat before using his Mercedes Benz to invade a home in Cranbourne on Anzac Day (Monday 25 April).
The frightening carjacking on Toorak Road in Toorak comes after five males aged between 16 and 19 were arrested and interviewed over two burglaries at homes in Ormond and Brighton East on Saturday 23 April.
The inner city home invasions left occupants at both addresses with bruising and abrasions, after they were allegedly assaulted by the gang members.
Taskforce Tense, set up in November last year to monitor the ethnic gang, executed warrants at addresses in Cranbourne and Hampton Park later that Saturday night.
Police allegedly uncovered a stolen BMW, Honda CRV, mobile phones and a computer.
The young males were arrested and interviewed over the two burglaries.
Two have been charged with aggravated burglary, assault, car theft, handling stolen goods and possessing the proceeds of crime.
The 17-year-old youth is facing the same charges, remanded to appear in the children’s court.
Another 18-year-old man and a 16-year-old youth have been released pending further inquiries.
The armed carjacking involving an innocent 29-year-old Avondale Heights man, who pulled over his Mercedes Benz to send a text message, has prompted him to speak out on social media.
Michael Jean-Pierre Tallal posted to the Pakenham Crime and Theft Facebook page urging drivers to be vigilant and “call the police before exiting your car”.
Mr Tallal wrote: “As I was driving home … a car hit me from behind.”
“As I got out of my car to inspect the damage, five to six people got out of the car and assaulted me with a baseball bat.
“They took my car keys, made me unlock and clear my phone. I was hit numerous times with the baseball bat. My glasses smashed along with my watch as I was attempting to shield my face. The police have advised me that this is a known gang to them committing these crimes all over Melbourne.
“Four of the assailants were of African descent and two were Islanders.
“By the time I was released from hospital, numerous other crimes were committed using my car in Cranbourne and Vermont South. According to the police this gang is targeting new Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Lexus and VW cars.”
Police believe Mr Tallal’s car was used to commit an aggravated burglary at Valencia Circuit in Cranbourne about 3.45am on Monday 25 April.
A police statement read that four to five males kicked the front door in and stole a number of items before being confronted by one of the occupants, who had armed himself with a baseball bat.
The males, perceived to be of African and Islander/Maori appearance, fled the scene in awaiting cars, possibly a white sports car and a grey hatchback.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
