Four people have been charged after a series of alleged thefts at gyms across Melbourne.
It is alleged a group of offenders stole a set of car keys from a Port Melbourne gym before being confronted by staff on Friday 16 January.
The alleged offenders fled the scene and the vehicle in relation to the keys was not stolen.
Investigators allege the same offenders stole a gold Subaru Liberty from a gym carpark in Nunawading later that day.
Early on Saturday morning, police spotted the allegedly stolen Subaru Liberty travelling at high speeds through Reservoir.
The Hyundai was followed to Richmond, where it was seen pulling into a carpark.
An attempt was made to intercept the Hyundai, but it allegedly fled the scene at speed and crashed through a boom gate.
The Hyundai was allegedly dumped a short time later near the intersection of Lennox Street and Rowena Parade.
Officers moved in and arrested the four alleged occupants of the Hyundai.
The alleged driver, an 18-year-old Albert Park man, was charged with:
- reckless conduct endangering serious injury
- driving in a manner dangerous
- unlicensed driving
- burglary
- theft
- handle stolen goods
- theft of a motor vehicle
- various bail offences
He has been remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 27 January 2026.
Three teenaged boys were charged and bailed to appear before a children's court at a later date.
