Police have arrested eight youths following an investigation into a series of alleged armed robberies in Melbourne western suburbs over the past week.
Detectives came across a HiAce van they suspected was stolen driving along Mossfiel Drive in Hoppers Crossing about 10.10pm last night.
Stop sticks were deployed which successfully punctured the tyres of the van on Shaws Road in Werribee.
The vehicle continued driving and a low-speed pursuit was initiated for a short time before the vehicle pulled over at Market Road and at least 10 people piled out.
A large number of police converged on the area and seven males and a teenage girl aged between 14 and 20 were quickly arrested, with assistance from the Dog Squad.
Wayward Taskforce will interview four of the youths in relation to six armed robberies and a burglary that have occurred since 28 July:
- armed robbery at a pharmacy on Glengala Road, Sunshine West about 6.50pm on 1 August
- armed robbery at a bottle shop on Main Road, St Albans about 8.30pm on 1 August
- armed robbery at a grocery store on Carrol Street, Deer Park about 2.50pm on 29 July
- armed robbery at a bottle shop on Rosella Avenue, Hoppers Crossing about 2.30pm on 29 July
- armed robbery at a grocery store on Herbert Street, Hoppers Crossing about 2.20pm on 28 July
- burglary at a Dyer Street, Hoppers Crossing address where a HiAce van was stolen on 28 July
The youths remain in custody, assisting investigators with their enquiries.
Police are still searching for a number of other youths who fled from the area.
