Police investigate series of offending in Melbourne's bayside and south-eastern suburbs

Southern Metro Region Crime Squad detectives are investigating a series of 21 offences committed by a group of youths over the past five days.

Several teenagers stole two vehicles, a white 2026 Haval Jolion and a black 2017 Honda Odyssey now displaying stolen registration plates XUW815, from outside a Glen Waverley gym about 5pm on Monday.

The offenders have then used these vehicles to rob mostly lone women across Melbourne’s bayside and south-eastern suburbs, including four last night:

• About 7.45pm a 64-year-old woman was dragged by several offenders and had her groceries stolen while waiting at traffic lights outside Chadstone Shopping Centre
• A short time later a woman was punched in the face and had her designer purse stolen outside Chadstone Shopping Centre
• About 8pm a woman was shoved to the ground and had her bag stolen on the Princes Highway in Clayton
• About 8.10pm a woman had her handbag stolen as she left a hairdressers on Bluff Road in Highett
• About 8.40pm the offenders were loitering at a convenience store on Bluff Road in Black Rock, before chasing a male staff member with a machete. They stole cash and the victim was not physically injured.

In earlier incidents, on Wednesday 23 September a 74-year-old Beaumaris woman was walking along Beach Road, Beaumaris, when a white Haval SUV stopped nearby.

A young male passenger, wearing a balaclava, exited the vehicle and snatched the woman’s handbag.

A short struggle ensued, during which the woman sustained minor injuries.

The handbag, containing cash and a mobile phone, was stolen.

The male then re-entered the vehicle, which drove away along Beach Road.

The following day, a 54-year-old Highett woman was walking near the intersection of Bluff Road and Highett Road when the same white Haval SUV stopped nearby.

A young male passenger, wearing a balaclava, exited the vehicle and snatched the woman’s bag, which contained personal items including her purse.

The male then re-entered the vehicle, which drove north along Bluff Road.

The woman was not injured during the incident.

All up the group are believed to be involved in:

• Six robberies

• One attempted robbery

• Two armed robberies

• One attempted aggravated burglary

• Two aggravated burglaries

• One burglary

• One theft of number plate

• Eight petrol drive-offs

Detectives are investigating and appeal to anyone with information to come forward.

Police have released images of the white Havel they believe may assist with their investigation.

In response to the incidents, local police have increased proactive patrols in the area to provide a highly visible police presence and reassurance to the community.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Quotes attributable to Southern Metro Region Detective Acting Inspector Chris Hayes:

“We know these incidents will be concerning to the community, particularly given the number of offences committed in such a short period,” he said.

“We have dedicated investigators from our Southern Metro Region Crime Squad working to identify and apprehend those responsible, and we are asking the public to help us.

“Let me be absolutely clear: no one should have to change the way they live, work or move through their community because of the criminal actions of others.

“We are committed to identifying those responsible for these brazen and cowardly acts and bringing them before the courts.”

Leading Senior Constable Simon Smyth/Leonie Johnson

Media Unit
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