A vehicle, allegedly stolen from a Mooroolbark property in late March, was used by teens as an escape car before being picked up by police.
Five teenagers, aged between 15 and 17-years-old, were arrested and charged under Operation Trinity after a string of alleged offending and an extended follow through Melbourne on Wednesday morning.
The Nissan X-Trail was said to have been stolen from the driveway of a Mooroolbark house on 29 March. It was used by the teens to attended a convenience store in High Street, Armadale about 10.40pm on 2 April.
Some of the children allegedly stole the store attendant’s car keys before stealing his MG wagon parked outside the store.
The remaining children fled in the Nissan X-Trail.
It’s further alleged the five attempted a robbery a short time later at a convenience store on Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East about 11.20pm.
The MG was dumped, with the X-Trailed followed by police through numerous suburbs, including Carlton, Blackburn and the CBD with the assistance of Air Wing and multiple police units.
Stop sticks were used on Mount Alexander Road, Ascot Vale about 12.40am on 3 April where police then arrested two 15-year-old’s, a 16-year-old and two 17-year-old’s in Kerr Street Fitzroy.
A 16-year-old Springvale child was charged with two counts of theft of motor vehicle, dangerous driving whilst pursued by police, two counts of attempted burglary and robbery. He was remanded to appear at a court on Wednesday.
The remaining children, a 17-year-old boy from Flemington, a 15-year-old boy from Oakleigh South and a 15-year-old from Botanic Ridge were charged with two counts of theft of motor vehicle, two counts of attempted burglary and robbery. They are expected to appear at a court at a later date.
Investigations are continuing into the location of the stolen MG wagon.
Anyone with information, CCTV/dash cam footage or who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppers.com.au
