A GROUP of youths set off on a crime spree along Chelsea beach on 27 December, committing numerous assaults and robberies across a half hour time period.
Kingston Crime Investigation Unit detectives believe that three separate incidents occurred on the beach at Swansea Road between 9.30 and 10pm.
It is alleged that a group of swimmers were in the water when the group approached their unattended belongings.
It is believed a male victim attempted to intervene and was assaulted. The group took mobile phones and purses.
Soon afterwards, a group of 3 men, aged between 25 and 30, were assaulted and a mobile phone was stolen.
A third incident took place when the group approached a 19-year-old man and struck him in the head with a glass bottle. It is believed the man was then assaulted with a plastic cricket bat. He was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
No arrests have been made.
An arrest was made at the beach earlier in the day after an altercation between two groups over a jet ski led to a 20-year-old being arrested for being drunk and criminal damage. That incident was not connected to the later robberies and assaults.
Police are currently appealing for witnesses to come forward to help identify the youths. Investigators would like to speak to any witnesses or anyone who may have footage of the incidents.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 0000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 9 January 2019
