Two men arrested following theft and assault in Balaclava

Two men were arrested by police following an incident in Balaclava yesterday, Wednesday 15 April.

It will be alleged the men entered a Camden Street supermarket before stealing several items.

Lost prevention officers tried to stop the two men and recover stolen items before they were assaulted, one with a knife.

The alleged offenders fled and were quickly arrested at the Balaclava Railway Station.

A 23-year-old man was remanded in custody overnight and will appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ court today.

The Windsor man has been charged with:

• Two counts of recklessly cause injury

• Common law assault

• Unlawful assault

• Assault with a weapon

• Possession of drugs

• Use a controlled weapon

• Commit indictable offence on bail

A 26-year-old man was charged with

• Theft
• Possession of drugs
• Assault.

The Essendon man was bailed to the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 1 May.

The arrest forms part of a retail theft blitz in the Port Phillip area.

Local police intelligence indicates a core group of 11 offenders is allegedly responsible for over 500 shop thefts across Port Phillip in the past year.

This equates to around 40% of all retail theft across South Melbourne, St Kilda, Port Melbourne, and Balaclava.

In the past year, local police have processed 162 shoplifters a combined 788 times.

Overall, retailers have reported the theft of more than $680,000 of stock from predominantly supermarkets and liquor outlets.

Acting Inspector Kris Hamilton

Media Unit

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