SEVEN teenagers have been charged over a spate of alleged home invasions, car thefts, and affrays across Parkdale, Cheltenham, and Rosebud.
Police allege the offending occurred between 5 June and 23 July.
The arrests followed an alleged attack on a 15-year-old girl inside a Cheltenham shopping centre. The incident allegedly occurred at around 3.15pm on 23 July after a verbal altercation between a group of teenagers and two girls. One girl ran and the other was allegedly assaulted, police say.
The victim was taken to hospital for observation. Police say all parties were known to each other.
On 29 July, Victoria Police made seven arrests. In a statement it said “some of the charges relate to the alleged serious assault” at the shopping centre.
A 13-year-old boy from Oakleigh South was charged with aggravated home invasion with an offensive weapon, robbery, and affray. A 15-year-old boy from Mordialloc was charged with aggravated home invasion with an offensive weapon, criminal damage, and affray. A 15-year-old boy from Mentone was charged with aggravated home invasion with an offensive weapon, and two counts of affray. A 14-year-old girl from Parkdale was charged with one count of affray and two counts of assault. A 15-year-old boy from Beaumaris was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, theft, and affray. A 16-year-old boy from Chelsea was also charged with two counts of affray. A 16-year-old Brighton boy was charged with aggravated home invasion with an offensive weapon, two counts of affray, theft, and theft of a motor vehicle.
The Brighton teenager was remanded in custody, and the rest were bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
Moorabbin crime investigation unit sergeant Mick Ferwerder said more resources are being directed towards youth crime. “Additional police resources have been tasked to the shopping centre this weekend and Transit Protective Service Officers will be monitoring the transport hubs. This is in line with Victoria Police’s approach to detecting and disrupting youth gang behaviour, along with our focus on deterring young people from joining gangs in the first place,” he said last Saturday.
“We know serious offending by youths significantly impacts community safety, and we are doing everything we can to disrupt and prevent youth crime.”
In a statement, police said more arrests are expected. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report at crimestoppersvic.com.au