Four teenagers have been arrested following an attempted robbery in Mount Waverley overnight.
Detectives from the Southern Metropolitan Region Crime Squad were on patrol when they spotted a black Ford sedan, with no registration plates, park outside a bottle shop on Andrew Street about 9.20pm
Four people wearing balaclavas exited the car and ran inside the store.
It's alleged the offenders demanded alcohol from the salesperson before striking him in the face.
Multiple police units were quickly on scene and arrested the four teenagers.
The victim sustained minor injuries.
A 16-year-old Wallan boy and a 17-year-old Cranbourne North boy have been charged with attempted robbery and three further robberies which occurred on 23 August in Oakleigh East, Reservoir and Northcote.
A 17-year-old Wallan boy was charged with attempted robbery.
All three have been held in custody to appear before a children's court at a later date.
A 14-year-old Hallam boy was charged with attempted robbery.
He was bailed to appear at a children's court at a later date.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Victoria Police has established a dedicated operation in response to a recent surge in offending at packaged liquor outlets and supermarkets across Melbourne.
As part of Operation Cubed, local police and specialist units including PORT, Air Wing and Dog Squad will be targeting known offending hotspots and using all available intelligence to detect and deter offending.
Police intelligence indicates that a small cohort of youth offenders are involved in this recent offending.
The proactive operation will run each day and remain ongoing for as long as required.
