- Published:
- Wednesday 29 April 2026 at 3:22 pm
Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have this afternoon charged three males as part of their investigation into six incidents potentially linked to the targeting of hospitality venues.
Investigators will allege those involved have been targeting promoters for an event held at a licensed venue on York Street in South Melbourne on Saturday nights.
With assistance from the Gang Crime Squad and VIPER Taskforce, three search warrants were executed at properties in Melbourne’s north west early this morning.
Investigators will work with Operation Eclipse to determine which of these incidents may be linked to the broader series.
Three males all aged 17 were taken into custody and have since been charged.
A 17-year-old from the Hobsons Bay area has been charged with:
- Aggravated home invasion
- Intentionally cause injury
- Assaults
- Attempted kidnapping
- Attempted aggravated home invasion x3
- Kidnapping
- Unlawful imprisonment
- Intentionally cause injury
- Theft of motor vehicle x 4
- Handle stolen goods x2
- Criminal damage (fire) of a vehicle
- Unlicensed driving
- Learner driver without a supervisor x4
- Commit indictable offence whilst on bail x5
- Resist police
- Possess drug of dependence (methylamphetamine) x2
- Possess controlled weapon
- Possess cartridge ammunition without a licence
A 17-year-old from the Wyndham area has been charged with:
- Aggravated home invasion
- Intentionally cause injury
- Attempted kidnapping
- Attempted aggravated home invasion x3
- Criminal damage (fire) of a vehicle
- Commit indictable offence whilst on bail x5
- Possess cartridge ammunition without a licence
A 17-year-old from the Wyndham area has been charged with:
- Aggravated home invasion
- Intentionally cause injury x2
- Attempted kidnapping
- Attempted aggravated home invasion x3
- Kidnapping
- False imprisonment
- Commit indictable offence whilst on bail x4
- Theft of motor vehicle
- Resist police
The trio will appear at a children’s court a later date.
The six incidents include:
• An attempted kidnapping from a Templestowe address on 9 April,
• An aggravated home invasion at the same Templestowe address on 10 April,
• An attempted aggravated carjacking at a Wollert address on 12 April,
• An attempted aggravated home invasion at the same Wollert address on 13 April,
• A second attempted aggravated home invasion later that day at the Wollert address on 13 April, and
• An aggravated home invasion and kidnapping – believed to be a targeted incident but at the wrong address – from a Malvern address on 14 April.
Police continue to have an increased presence in both an overt and a covert capacity throughout entertainment precincts, including increased patrols of these areas and visits to licensed premises.
Police are also working closely with local councils, Fire Rescue Victoria and a range of stakeholders from within the liquor industry as part of the operation.
Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who may have knowledge of these incidents, in particular who is directing them and why.
Police urge anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity in the vicinity of licensed premises or at service stations with regards to the filling of jerry cans to contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Media Unit
147592
Updated