7 June 2018 – ID Fraud – CCTV Released – Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne
Published June 8, 2018 | 
Detectives from the Fraud and Extortion Squad have released CCTV and images of a woman they wish to speak to in relation to a scam where several hundred thousand dollars were stolen.
It’s believed the scam starts with the victim’s personal details being obtained and fraudulent identification being manufactured in the name of the victim.
This enables the offenders to do a number of things including re-directing mail from the victim’s address, ordering new bank cards and changing bank account details.
Between 11 and 26 April this year, a woman attended several eastern suburbs banks and ATM locations in suburbs including Doncaster East, Bulleen, Balwyn, Blackburn, Box Hill, Kew and Templestowe.
While at the banks, she used a fake Chinese passport to conduct a number of administrative changes.
On 24 April she attended a bank in Kew and transferred a significant amount of cash out of the victim’s account.
On 26 April she attended a different bank in Bulleen and attempted to transfer money from a second, separate victim’s account.
This second transaction was processed but subsequently reversed shortly after when the victim became aware and contacted the bank.
Detectives from the Fraud and Extortion Squad are investigating the incidents and have released CCTV of a woman they wish to speak to in relation to both matters.
Investigators are also urging people to be aware of the scam as it’s believed the victims are highly targeted.
On both occasions the victims, who are of Chinese heritage and live in the eastern suburbs, were overseas at the time of the offence.
The offenders had also managed to obtain their personal details, including date of birth, address and bank account data.
Offenders do not appear to be targeting customers of any specific bank, instead they appear to be targeting victims of Chinese background in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
Police are urging people to be aware of the scam and ensure any fraudulent activity is reported to police for investigation.
Anyone who notices any unusual transactions on their account should also speak to their bank.
This includes instances where you would regularly receive mail but haven’t for some time, or if you receive any letters from Australia Post regarding re-direction service that you haven’t authorised.
People should also be wary of unusual letters from organisations such as banks as this could be the pre-cursor to the scam occurring.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Natalie Webster
Media Officer
68908
30 May 2018 – Update – Arrests – Armed Robberies – Fast Food Store – Altona North/Williamstown
Published June 1, 2018 | Two men and a woman have been arrested for armed robberies at Altona North and Williamstown late last year.
Altona North Embona Armed Robbery Taskforce detectives swooped on the Newport home early this morning, arresting the trio.
The Newport men, aged 22 and 26 and Newport woman, 25, are currently assisting police with their enquiries.
A white Toyota Corolla was seized from the address believed to be used in connection with the armed robberies.
Cash was stolen at the armed robberies at a fast food store at the intersection of Blackshaws Road and Millers Road on 26 November and in Douglas Parade Williamstown on 23 December.
28 May 2018 – Update – Appeal – Armed Robbery – Licensed Premises – St Albans
Published June 1, 2018 | Armed Crime Squad detectives continue to investigate an armed robbery outside a licensed premises in St Albans last year.
Police have been told a woman, who had just finished work at a McKenchnie Street venue, was carrying a large amount of cash and walking towards a nearby car park shortly after midnight on 17 December 2017.
The woman was approached by three masked men, armed with machetes, who made demands for the money she was carrying.
A large amount of cash and the woman’s handbag were stolen before the offenders fled on foot west along Andrea Street.
The three men are all described as tall with thin builds and were wearing dark clothing.
One of the masks worn is described as having white teeth pained on it.
The 47-year-old female employee wasn’t physically injured as a result of the incident.
23 May 2018 – Appeal – Armed Robbery – Shopping Centre – Werribee
Published May 25, 2018 | Wyndham Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for information following an armed robbery at a shopping centre in Werribee on Tuesday afternoon.
Investigators have been told an unknown man parked a dark grey-coloured sedan outside the shopping centre just after 5pm.
The man entered the shopping centre wearing a balaclava, a dark grey hoodie, black tracksuit pants and was armed with two hammers.
He ran into a jewellery store, smashed open a display cabinet and stole an amount of jewellery.
A female customer confronted the man and seized the weapon, before throwing it in his direction as he ran from the shop.
The man was last seen getting into to the parked car outside the shopping centre and the car was last seen travelling along Heaths Road, Werribee.
No one was injured during the incident.
Police have released an image of a man who they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.
22 May 2018 – Arrests – Armed Robbery – Convenience Store – Dandenong
Published May 25, 2018 | Police have arrested and charged three teenagers following an alleged attempted armed robbery in Dandenong on Saturday night (19 May).
Investigators allege the three teens, one armed with a pole, attended the Hemmings Street shop about 7.30pm and assaulted an employee before fleeing empty handed.
A 47-year-old male employee received some serious but non-life threatening injuries as a result of a scuffle with the teens, a 45-year-old woman was treated for minor injuries and a 16-year-old girl who were also present at the time was uninjured.
Detectives arrested the three teens yesterday afternoon (21 May) and all were interviewed and charged with attempted armed robbery, criminal damage, and assault related offences.
A 16-year-old Dandenong boy and a 14-year-old Mulgrave boy were both remanded in custody to face a children’s court at a later date.
A 15-year-old Dandenong boy was bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date.
Investigators would like to thank the public for their assistance.
21 May 2018 – Appeal – Armed Robbery – Liquor Store – Williamstown
Published May 25, 2018 | Detectives from the Altona North Embona Taskforce will man an information caravan in Williamstown later today as they continue to investigate an armed robbery which occurred at a local bottle shop.
The incident took place at the Douglas Parade shop when two armed men entered the store and threatened staff on 23 December.
The robbers were given an amount of cash before both ran from the store.
Embona Taskforce Detective Sergeant Damien O’Mahoney said they are renewing their appeal for witnesses to help solve this crime.
“We are renewing our appeals for public assistance to solve this matter,” he said.
“These men were both armed with guns and certainly put the attendants in fear of their lives.
“They had no qualms about arming themselves and it is quite likely that the next time they offend their behaviour will escalate to causing serious injury or death.”
The two men have been described as Caucasian, tall, thin build and wearing masks.
Investigators have released CCTV footage of two men brandishing firearms in the store and also footage of an older model white Toyota Corolla seen at the scene of the robbery.
20 May 2018 – Armed Robbery – Convenience Store – Dandenong
Published May 25, 2018 | Police are appealing for information following an armed robbery in Dandenong last night.
Investigators have been told three unknown men attended the Hemmings Street shop about 7.30pm on Saturday 19 May.
One of the men, who was carrying what is believed to be a metal pole, threatened an employee before striking the pole on the counter.
One of the employees, a 47-year-old Dandenong man, attempted to fight the men off with a pole used to operate window shutters.
A short scuffle ensued before the men fled the scene stealing only chocolates and cigarettes.
Police have released CCTV vision of three men who they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.
All are perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, aged between 18 to 30-years-old, and were all wearing dark clothing with facial coverings.
The male employee received some serious but non-life threatening injuries as a result of the scuffle, a 45-year-old woman was treated for minor injuries and a 16-year-old girl who were also present at the time was uninjured.
14 May 2018 – Update – Arrest – Armed Robbery – Bank – Geelong
Published May 17, 2018 | A man has been charged by detectives from the Armed Crime Squad following an alleged attempted armed robbery at a bank in Geelong last week.
A 55-year-old Winchelsea man was charged on 11 May with attempted armed robbery, common law assault, assault with a weapon and commist offences whilst on bail.
He faced Geelong Magistrate’s Court that day and was remanded to appear again on 3 August.
The charges follow an alleged incident at a bank on Moorabool Street on 10 May.
13 May 2018 – Armed Robbery – Milk Bar – Boronia
Published May 17, 2018 | A man has been arrested thanks to the help of some quick-thinking bystanders following an alleged attempted armed robbery in Boronia last night (12 May).
Investigators have been told a man armed with a baseball bat allegedly tried to hold up a milk bar on Coleman Road about 7pm.
A 21-year-old attendant sustained non-life threatening injuries during the incident and was taken to hospital.
It is understood a group of bystanders helped apprehend the man and restrain him until police arrived.
He was arrested at the scene and has been charged with attempted armed robbery.
The 18-year-old Meadow Heights man has been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (14 May).
11 May 2018 – Armed Robbery – Bank – Geelong
Published May 11, 2018 | Armed Crime Squad detectives have arrested a man following an attempted armed robbery at a Geelong bank yesterday (10 May).
It is alleged a man armed with a knife entered the Malop Street bank about 2.20pm, threatening staff and making demands for cash.
No money was stolen from the premises.
A 55-year-old Winchelsea man was arrested in Geelong East about 10pm last night.
He is currently in custody assisting police with their enquiries.
