Southern Metro Region Crime Squad detectives are investigating a home invasion in Brighton East yesterday morning.
It is understood two masked male offenders, armed with a knife, forced entry via a door to a home on Arnold Road about 1.30am.
The offenders were interrupted by a 76-year-old woman home at the time.
One of the offenders, holding a knife, demanded the woman hand over her car keys.
Another woman home at the time intervened, a 54-year-old, before the offenders fled empty handed.
The women were not physically injured but investigating member Detective Senior Constable Candice Taylor acknowledged the traumatic event and the lasting impact it will have on the victims.
The two male offenders took off from the scene on foot while police were called.
Uniformed officers, detectives and the police dog squad attended within minutes of receiving the job.
A track was detected by the police dog leading police to north of Arnold Road, where it is believed a getaway car had been waiting.
The vehicle is described as a white 4WD.
While detectives are reviewing CCTV collected during a neighbourhood doorknock, they are appealing for anyone with information who is yet to speak to police to come forward.
Victoria Police has a dedicated operation targeting burglars and car thieves from dusk to dawn across Melbourne.
On top of standard patrols, there are large numbers of additional police including members of the Dog Squad, Public Order Response and Air Wing, specifically tasked with preventing and responding to burglaries and car thefts each night.
As a result of this intense focus, police arrested 671 burglars and car thieves almost 1,683 times in the twelve months to the end of September 2025.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
