North West Metro Regional Crime Team and Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested four male youths following a series of home invasions in Melbourne's west last month.
The arrests come as part of Operation Jams, an intensive investigation into a robbery and three home invasions which allegedly occurred in Derrimut, Deer Park and Sunshine West.
The incidents are alleged to have occurred between 10pm on Wednesday 18 December and 1.30am on Thursday 19 December.
• A street robbery on Hammerwood Avenue, Derrimut on 18 December. A group of males allegedly approached another male and assaulted him before stealing his wallet and other items. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment of superficial injuries.
• A home invasion on Hammerwood Avenue, Derrimut on 18 December where a group of male youths are alleged to have forced their way into a home where a party was being held, smashing windows and damaging the property. A female was knocked unconscious during this incident.
• A home invasion in Deer Park on 19 December where a group of male youths are alleged to have broken into a property on Neale Road. Six family members were home but were not physically injured.
• A home invasion in Sunshine West on 19 December where a group of male youths are alleged to have forced their way into a premises armed with weapons. They allegedly assaulted two male occupants, who were taken to hospital with stab wounds and fractured bones.
North West Metro Region Acting Commander Therese Fitzgerald said those targeted through Operation Jams are alleged to have committed high-harm offences which caused significant damage to victims and the community.
"Home invasions and serious street robberies are horrendous crimes which have long-lasting effects on victims and a substantial impact on the broader community's feelings of safety," Acting Commander Fitzgerald said.
"Thankfully we have not seen a string of home invasions or high-harm incidents such as this for many months. These incidents are alleged to be linked and police are confident there is no further threat to the community.
"Our message to those committing these offences is clear - police will find you, we will hold you to account and we will ensure you do not continue to inflict harm on the Victorian community."
Detectives have executed nine search warrants in Deer Park, St Albans, Sunbury and Derrimut over the past two days, resulting in the arrest of four people. One person has already been charged:
• A 16-year-old St Albans male who has been charged with aggravated home invasion, assault with a weapon and criminal damage. He has been bailed at appear at a children's court at a later date.
A further three people are currently in custody and assisting police with enquires, including:
• A 21-year-old Deer Park male who has been arrested in relation to alleged robbery, aggravated home invasion with a weapon, intentionally causing injury and false imprisonment offences.
• A 19-year-old Derrimut male who has been arrested in relation to alleged robbery, aggravated home invasion with a weapon, false imprisonment and intention to steal offences.
• A 17-year-old Derrimut male who has been arrested in relation to alleged robbery, aggravated home invasion with a weapon and false imprisonment offences.
"Officers right across Victoria are working hard every day to keep the community safe by holding offenders to account and prevent youth-related crime," Acting Commander Fitzgerald said.
"Our regional crime teams work closely with Operations Wayward and Tidal to tackle youth offending across Melbourne, investigating crime and making hundreds of arrests every year.
"At a local level, police also proactively manage bail compliance of high-risk persons of interest and work with partner agencies to help them become engaged in their community through education and employment."
