Esther Lauaki
Eight youths have been arrested following an investigation into a series of crimes linked to thefts from fitness centres in the western suburbs.
Victoria Police’s Wayward taskforce and Altona North Divisional Response Unit detectives executed warrants in Tarneit, Truganina, Werribee, Wyndham Vale, Point Cook and Sunbury on Friday.
Seven males and one female are facing more than 30 charges in relation to offences including home invasion, burglary, armed robbery, assault, theft of motor vehicles, petrol drive-offs and other traffic-related offences.
Those charged are aged between 14 and 20 years-old. Two were released pending further inquiries. Six of the youths were remanded to appear at a children’s court.
They included a15-year-old Sunbury boy and a 16-year-old Tarneit boy both charged following an alleged violent armed robbery in Tarneit on Monday, March 2 which resulted in a teenage victim being taken to hospital with serious head injuries.
The teens have been charged with intentionally causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, robbery and other offences.
Westgate investigation and response inspector Rhonda Brown said police had been working around the clock to bring those targeting gyms to steal cars and commit further serious crimes before the courts.
“This offending has led to serious high-harm offences being committed, which have a significant impact on the community’s safety and feelings of safety. That’s why our detectives have been working around the clock to investigate these crimes and hold offenders to account.”
“Our message to those committing these offences is clear – police will hunt you down and we will ensure you do not continue to inflict harm on the Victorian community.”
Police are working with fitness centres across Melbourne to address security issues and implement crime prevention measures such as lockable storage devices and CCTV.
Victoria Police is asking the community to exercise caution and secure their valuables when attending gyms and leisure centres.
