Police arrested six teenagers on the weekend, including a 17-year-old from Point Cook, as part of a crackdown on “high harm offenders”.
Officers from the Gang Crime Squad, along with North West Metro Region and Southern Metro Region police, arrested the teenagers as part of Operation Alliance.
Two teens were arrested by police in an allegedly stolen vehicle in Cardigan Street, Carlton about 9.30pm on Saturday.
The vehicle, a Honda Odyssey, was allegedly stolen from a residential address in Meadow Heights on October 7.
A 17-year-old from Point Cook was charged with theft of motor vehicle, possess drug of dependence, handle stolen goods and bail offence.
A 16-year-old from Kings Park was charged with theft of motor vehicle and traffick and possess a drug of dependence, bail offences.
Both teens were also charged fined in relation to breaching the Chief Health Officer’s directions.
A few hours later, a further four teens were arrested without incident in another allegedly stolen vehicle on the Western Highway in Rockbank about 1am.
That vehicle, a Volkswagen Passat, was allegedly stolen from a Springvale address on October 8.
A 17-year-old from Cranbourne and a 16-year-old from Dandenong have been charged with theft of motor vehicle, conduct endangering life and bail offences.
Both males were remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
Two other teens, both males aged 16 from Berwick and Endeavour Hills, have each been charged with theft of motor vehicle and conduct endangering life.
They were bailed to appear at a Children’s Court at a later date.
Operation Alliance will be ongoing in various parts of the state with a range of regional units and members from Crime Command coming together in a joint effort to deter and disrupt the anticipated increase in offences as restrictions ease.
The state-wide operation aims to combat predicted increases in certain high harm offences as coronavirus restrictions are lifted or reduced.
Anyone with information about offences or gang activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
