Wyndham Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a series of armed robberies and attempted armed robberies overnight which are believed to be linked.
A grey 2019 Mercedes sedan, which was stolen from Hoppers Crossing on 22 June, was used in several incidents between 10pm on Tuesday 1 July and 3.30am on Wednesday 2 July:
- Three male offenders, armed with a knife, entered a tobacco store on Shaws Road in Werribee just before 10pm. They were confronted by the shop attendant and fled in the Mercedes.
- Offenders attended a convenience store on Rose Grange Boulevard, armed with a knife and baseball bat, about 10.05pm. They demanded money and cigarettes from the store attendant but left empty handed and fled in the Mercedes.
- A group of offenders, wearing ski masks and armed with weapons, attended a fast-food restaurant and service station on Dohertys Road in Truganina just before midnight. They tried to force entry but were unsuccessful and fled empty handed.
- The group, armed with knives and a baseball bat, then attended a service station on Leakes Road in Laverton North about 12.05am. They stole a pack of energy drinks and left the store.
- The offenders forced entry into a service station on Sayers Road in Williams Landing about 12.20am. It is understood they stole cigarettes then fled.
- Four offenders, armed with a hammer, forced entry into a service station on Warrigal Road in Bentleigh East about 1.30am. They stole cigarettes.
- The stolen grey Mercedes sedan was used in a petrol drive off at a service station on Dandenong Road in Oakleigh about 1.15am.
- Three male offenders attended a service station on Warrigal Road in Bentleigh East, armed with a knife and baseball bat, about 1.30am. They stole cigarettes and fled in the Mercedes.
- Four male offenders arrived at a service station on Whitehorse Road in Nunawading in the Mercedes about 3.10am. They threw stones at the front doors but were unable to gain entry and fled in the stolen vehicle.
There were no physical injuries during the incidents.
No arrests have been made at this stage and police believe the offenders may be travelling in a stolen grey Mercedes Benz.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents, has dashcam footage/CCTV or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
