Police have arrested 14 people following the execution of warrants across the south-east from August 9-10.
Warrants were executed in Cranbourne, Pakenham, Dandenong South, Officer, Narre Warren South, Clyde North, Cranbourne North and Doveton.
The warrants were executed in relation to a series of alleged incidents which occurred in Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs between 26 July and 7 August including:
• An alleged aggravated carjacking in Narre Warren South on 26 July.
• An alleged armed robbery at a milk bar in Hallam on 2 August.
• An alleged attempted aggravated burglary at a milk bar in Hampton on 2 August 2018.
• An alleged armed robbery at a service station in Lynbrook on 3 August.
• An alleged armed robbery and carjacking in Moorabbin on 7 August.
Investigators recovered two stolen vehicles, a black Holden Captiva and Landrover Discovery, as well as seizing a number of items including imitation firearms and a military assault rifle.
Police arrested four people on Thursday morning 9 August who have been charged with offences including armed robbery, aggravated carjacking, intentionally cause injury, theft of motor vehicle, possess prohibited weapon, handle stolen goods and unlicensed driving. They include:
• A 17-year-old boy from Cranbourne who has been remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
• A 14-year-old boy from Pakenham who has been remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
• A 19-year-old man from Officer who has been bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
• A 17-year-old boy from Dandenong North has been released pending further enquiries.
The Southern Metro Crime Team arrested a further 10 people on Friday 10 August who are currently being interviewed by police.
Detective Inspector Shayne Pannell said the arrests were the result of ongoing work into a number of alleged serious incidents in the south eastern suburbs over the past two weeks.
“We want to reassure the community that these kinds of offences are a priority for us and we have been putting a lot of resources into this operation,” said D/ Insp Pannell.
“We know these kinds of incidents can be a terrifying experience for anyone, which is why when they do occur we commit all of our efforts into identifying and arresting offenders.
“The safety of the community is the highest priority for police and we’ll continue to focus on holding offenders to account whilst maintaining a highly visible police presence in order to prevent crime from occurring.”
