POLICE have arrested and charged seven youths following a spate of alleged offences on the Mornington Peninsula and across Melbourne’s southern metropolitan region between Monday 5 June and Sunday 23 July.
The incidents include alleged home invasions and the theft of motor vehicles and petrol, as well as criminal damage, robbery, burglaries, and affrays in the Rosebud, Cheltenham and Parkdale areas.
Police will allege some of the charges relate to the alleged serious assault of a 15-year-old girl at a shopping centre in Cheltenham at the weekend.
The six boys and one girl – all from Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs and aged between 13 and 16 – were bailed to appear in a children’s court at a later date.
Sergeant Mick Ferwerder from Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit says Victoria Police is appalled by the behaviour allegedly displayed by the teens and will continue to actively address youth crime in the region.
“Additional police resources have been tasked to the shopping centre this weekend and Transit Protective Service Officers will be monitoring the transport hubs,” he said.
“This is in line with Victoria Police’s approach to detecting and disrupting youth gang behaviour, along with our focus on deterring young people from joining gangs in the first place.
“We know serious offending by youths significantly impacts community safety, and we are doing everything we can to disrupt and prevent youth crime.”
Investigations are continuing and further arrests are expected.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
First published in the Mornington News – 8 August 2023
