Five people have been charged with more than 140 offences following a series of home invasions in Melbourne’s west last year.
Following an extensive investigation, police executed eight warrants and arrested eight young men.
Three men, aged 18, were each charged with about 30 offences each including multiple counts of aggravated home invasion, burglary, theft of motor car and intentionally causing injury.
Two teens, aged 16 and 17, were charged with more than 45 offences including aggravated home invasion and theft of motor car.
The arrests followed a dozen alleged home invasions in the past year including, an aggravated home invasion in Albanvale on May 18, an aggravated home investigation in Keilor Park on May 24. an aggravated home invasion in Altona Meadows on August 16, an attempted aggravated home invasion in Sunshine on August 23, a burglary and theft of car in Sunshine on October 11, an aggravated home invasion in Braybrook on October 11, which left a male occupant with serious injuries to his hand, an aggravated home invasion in Kings Park on October 17, an aggravated home invasion in St Albans on October 20, an attempted home invasion in Sunshine West on November 11, an aggravated home invasion in Deer Park on November 16, an aggravated home invasion in Delahey on November 16 which left a male occupant with serious injuries to his face and an aggravated home invasion in St Albans on November 22.
Two of the 18-year-old men charged, from Footscray and Caroline Springs, were bailed by the courts and will re-appear in court in March.
The third 18-year-old man, also from Caroline Springs, was remanded to appear on the same day.
The 16-year-old and 17-year-old boys charged were bailed to appear before a children’s court a later date.
During the warrants this month police also arrested a 28-year-old Kurunjang man and charged him with cultivating and possessing cannabis. Another 17-year-old boy was arrested and released pending summons.
Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit Senior Constable Samantha D’agostino said everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their own home.
“We take these kinds of offences extremely seriously and will investigate thoroughly until we can hold people to account.”
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
