Detectives from the North West Metro Serious Crime Taskforce are investigating a series of armed robberies which have taken place in Melbourne’s North Western suburbs., Victoria Police say
The armed robberies took place in Heidelberg West and Preston between Monday 17 July and Tuesday 18 July.
The first incident occurred around 3.20pm on 17 June in Parklands on Oriel Road, Heidelberg West.
Two boys approached the victim demanding his mobile phone. A further eight boys surrounded the victim with one producing a knife.
The victim’s mobile phone was stolen and the youths ran away through the park.
The second incident occurred on Beauchamp Street, Preston about 7.30pm 17 July The victim was walking alone when he was approached by two youths and asked for money.
4-5 males surround the victim and one produced a knife. A scuffle occurred and the victim’s backpack and mobile phone was stolen.
The group left the area on a bus.
The victim received minor injuries that did not require treatment.
The third incident occurred about 4pm on 18 July in Heidelberg West.
The victim was walking along Southern Road with another person when they were approached by four boys and two girls.
A demand for cigarettes was made and the victim stated that he didn’t have any. An altercation has occurred. The victim was punched in the face before the contents of his wallet was stolen.
The group was seen on Liberty Parade.
The victim received minor injuries that did not require treatment.
The fourth incident occurred about 7pm 18 July on the Darebin Creek Trail.
The victim was approached by 8 youths who demanded his wallet and mobile phone.
He was hit over the head with an unknown object and his property was stolen.
The victim received minor injuries.
The fifth incident occurred just after 5.45pm on 18 July in Heidelberg West.
The victim was riding his bike along the Darebin Creek Trial when he was hit in the head by an unknown object. The victim stopped and was surrounded by approximately 6sixyouths.
The youths were armed with large sticks and had covered their faces. They hit the victim and demanded his backpack and tried to steal his bike.
Nothing was stolen and the victim received minor injuries.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents or with any information about the series is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
