31 January 2017 – Update – CCTV Released – Handbag Snatch – CBD
Published February 3, 2017 | 
Melbourne Embona Taskforce detectives have released images of a man they wish to speak to following a robbery in the CBD earlier this month.
A woman was walking to work east along Red Cape Lane on 7 January when she was approached by an unknown man just before 5.55am.
The man walked alongside her then reached across to grab a bag she was carrying.
A struggle ensued and the man was able to remove her wallet and take a quantity of cash from it, before handing it back and leaving the area.
The woman wasn’t physically injured during the incident.
Investigators have released images of a man they wish to speak to in relation to the incident.
He is described as being of African appearance, about 165cm tall with a thin build, black curly hair with brown highlights and stubble on his top lip.
At the time he was wearing a green, black and white checked shirt, black jeans and runners.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who has information about the identity of the man or his current whereabouts.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
25 January 2017 – Armed Robbery – Burger Shop – Maribyrnong
Published January 27, 2017 | Maribyrnong Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following a robbery in Maribyrnong earlier this month.
Police have been told two boys approached two other boys at a burger shop in a Maribyrnong shopping centre on Rosamond Road about 1.15pm on 13 January.
It is believed the two offenders have then demanded a mobile phone from the victims, aged 12 and 13.
The offenders, believed to be in their early teens, have then punched one of the victims and stole one of their hats.
They fled the scene, along with another boy standing nearby.
Investigators have released CCTV and images of a number of boys they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.
23 January 2017 – Update – Arrest – Armed Robbery – Jewellery Store – Toorak
Published January 27, 2017 | Police have arrested five males in relation to an armed robbery at a Toorak jewellery store last week.
It is alleged four males entered the Toorak Road business on 14 January just before 1pm.
A male staff member was injured during the incident and a large quantity of jewellery was allegedly stolen before the males fled in a vehicle.
A number of search warrants were executed at addresses in Shepparton, Mooroopna, Epping, Dandenong, Collingwood, Richmond and Preston.
Two 16-year-old Shepparton boys arrested in Shepparton on 19 January have been charged with armed robbery and possess firearm.
They have been remanded in custody to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
A further two 16-year-old boys from Epping and Richmond and a 17-year-old boy from Epping were arrested the following day and were each charged with armed robbery.
They will appear before a children’s court at a later date.
Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill said the community can be assured that the recent jewellery shop armed robberies have been subject to a thorough investigation which is ongoing.
“Police can assure the community that we are committed to investigating these incidents, identifying and arresting all those who are involved, whether it be those who plan or actively commit the offences.” he said.
19 Janaury 2017 – Armed Robbery – Milk Bar – Morewell
Published January 20, 2017 | Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit detectives have released CCTV footage following an attempted armed robbery in Morwell last week.
Investigators have been told an unknown man, armed with a sharp object, entered the Vary Street milk bar about 7.50pm on Tuesday 10 January.
Once inside, the man walked behind the counter and made demands for cash.
The staff member did not hand over any cash and then chased the offender out of the store.
He was last seen running along Bolger Street.
Police have released the below image of a man who they believe may be able to assist them with their enquiries.
The man is described as being Caucasian, tall, slim build and spoke with an Australian accent.
He was wearing a camouflage-style hat, a red bandana covering his face, olive long sleeve shirt, denim jeans and black sneakers.
14 January 2017 – Armed Robbery – Jewellery Store – Toorak
Published January 20, 2017 | Police are investigating an armed robbery at a jewellery store on Toorak Road in Toorak just before 1pm.
At this stage it is believed approximately four males of African appearance entered the store, at least one of them with a firearm.
A male staff member was struck to the head with the butt of a firearm and is being treated for non-life threatening injuries.
It is unknown at this stage what was stolen.
The males fled in a vehicle with a fifth male driving and a pursuit was initiated on Alexandra Avenue in South Yarra before being terminated around Punt Road in Richmond a short time later.
The investigation is ongoing and police are looking into whether this is linked to any other incidents.
13 January 2017 – Ram Raid – Toy Store – Bentleigh East
Published January 20, 2017 | Glen Eira Bayside Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating following a ram raid at a Bentleigh East toy store yesterday morning.
It is believed a dark coloured Nissan Navara Ute, with cancelled Victorian registration plates UFB036, reversed a makeshift ram into the front doors of Centre Road toy store about 4.50am before driving off.
A man, believed to be the driver, returned to the store about ten minutes later.
He attempted to gain entry through the damaged door but failed and fled empty handed.
Investigators believe the same man was involved in a theft from the store on Monday 9 January, just two days earlier, where a Lego toy set was stolen about 10am.
Investigators have released CCTV of both incidents in the hope that someone recognises the man who they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
13 January 2017 – Charges Laid – Armed robbery – Jewellery Store – Canterbury
Published January 13, 2017 | Southern Metro Crime Team investigators have arrested and charged two men in relation to an alleged armed robbery at a Canterbury jewellery store yesterday afternoon.
Investigators have been told three men armed with machetes and sledgehammers allegedly broke into the jewellery store at 1.30pm.
Detectives executed three search warrants at residences in Caroline Springs, Epping, and Dandenong South last night and arrested five youths.
A 17-year-old Dandenong South boy was charged with one count of armed robbery and was remanded in custody to appear at a Children’s Court.
An 18-year-old Epping man was charged with six counts of armed robbery and other offences.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.
Three other men, an 18-year-old Craigieburn man, and a 19 and 20-year-old, both from Reservoir, were interviewed by police and released pending further enquiries.
7 January 2017 – Ram Raid – Shopping Centre – South Morang
Published January 13, 2017 | Whittlesea Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating following a ram raid in South Morang early this morning.
It’s believed a car reversed through the front doors of a McDonalds Road shopping centre about 4am.
The car has then crashed through the windows of a hairdresser to gain access into the centre.
Once inside, offenders have targeted a Lotto store in the centre aisle, ramming the counter, however it appears they left empty handed.
Police believe three people were in the vehicle at the time and are still searching for the occupants.
At this time police are still working to determine if this matter is connected to any other incidents.
Investigators have released CCTV and are keen to speak to anyone who has information regarding the trio.
7 January 2017 – Ram Raid – Shopping Centre – South Morang
Published January 9, 2017 | Whittlesea Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating following a ram raid in South Morang early this morning.
It’s believed a car reversed through the front doors of a McDonalds Road shopping centre about 4am.
The car has then crashed through the windows of a hairdresser to gain access into the centre.
Once inside, offenders have targeted a Lotto store in the centre aisle, ramming the counter, however it appears they left empty handed.
Police believe three people were in the vehicle at the time and are still searching for the occupants.
At this time police are still working to determine if this matter is connected to any other incidents.
Investigators have released CCTV and are keen to speak to anyone who has information regarding the trio.
5 January 2017 – Ram Raid – Supermarket – Patterson Lakes
Published January 9, 2017 | Kingston Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating following a ram raid in Patterson Lakes this morning.
A silver Holden Colorado utility has reversed through the front windows of a supermarket, at the intersection of Gladesville Boulevard and McLeod Road, about 4am.
The two male occupants have entered the store and attempted to break into a cigarette cabinet.
They have been disturbed by a number of bakers in the store and have fled.
A staff member, who had just pulled up in his car to start work for the day, has followed the offenders along Eastlink.
The two vehicles were involved in a collision a short time later near Thompson Road in Carrum Downs.
The burglars drove off and the cause of the crash is being investigated.
The staff member was not injured.
The first man is perceived to be of Caucasian appearance, with a solid build, wearing a dark windcheater, white pants and was wearing a balaclava.
The second man is perceived to be of Caucasian appearance, with a slim build, wearing a dark top, dark three-quarter length pants and a dark baseball cap.
Detectives believe the silver utility, which has a black tray covering, will have damage to its back end and tail lights.
