By Tate Papworth
The 17-year-old boy was arrested at a shopping centre on Bacchus Marsh Road in Corio earlier today.
A BMW X5, believed to have been stolen during an alleged aggravated burglary in Mernda this morning, was recovered in the shopping centre carpark.
Detectives from the Southern Metro Crime Team are continuing to investigate a number of incidents that took place across Melbourne since Sunday.
Police believe an aggravated burglary in Bentleigh East about 8.40pm on Sunday, an aggravated carjacking in Port Melbourne about 9pm on Sunday, an aggravated burglary in Derrimut about 12.10am on Monday and an aggravated burglary in Avoca Avenue, Mernda, about 4am today are linked.
Police allege that a number of cars were stolen during the incidents, with a black Honda HR-V, registration 1EY3DI and taken from Derrimut, still outstanding.
The man and his family were held at knifepoint for 30 minutes after four men smashed down their front door about 12.10am.
A 65-year-old man was bashed while the men demanded money, gold, iPhones and car keys.
George said it was a terrifying ordeal.
“Just after midnight we had our front door smashed down by four very dark-skinned, very tall guys, who held us at knife point, threatened to kill us.
“My mum, dad, aunty and grandfather were all held with massive knives to their throats for 30 minutes while they bashed my dad.”
“They took $6000 cash, phones, jewellery and two cars – a Mercedes E500 (registration XOB358) and a Honda HRV (1EY3DI).”
George’s dad sustained minor injuries during the attack.
It is believed the incident is linked to a violent crime spree which began when police were called to an aggravated burglary in the south eastern suburb of East Bentleigh about 8.40pm.
Police say four men, one armed with a knife, forced their way into the East Bentleigh house, ransacked it and made demands of the two occupants.
A 39-year-old man and a 32-year-old-woman were assaulted and sustained minor injuries before the men fled with jewellery, computers, handbags and a black BMW.
Soon after the BMW hit a barrier on the Westgate Freeway.
The driver of another vehicle slowed down to help but drove off again after an occupant of the stolen car attempted to open the door of the good samaritan’s vehicle.
Police said the BMW was dumped nearby.
About 9pm police responded to an aggravated carjacking in Port Melbourne.
It’s believed a 42-year-old woman was about to put her child into the car when she was approached by three males, one of whom produced a knife and demanded her vehicle.
The woman called for help and was assisted by a family member. The 40-year-old man.was also threatened by the trio. They fled in the woman’s 2012 Black Hyundai i30 with the registration ZEX859.
Neither victim was injured.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
