Undercover police vehicles swarmed a petrol station in Tarneit, bringing a five-day alleged crime spree across Melbourne's west to a dramatic conclusion. Six offenders, aged between 14 and 22, have been charged in connection with a series of home invasions that targeted young families.
Dramatic arrest caught on CCTV
CCTV footage shows unmarked police cars swiftly boxing in an allegedly stolen Hyundai at a Tarneit service station. One detective grabbed the passenger door, but the 20-year-old driver allegedly slammed into three police vehicles in an attempt to escape. He was dragged from the car and handcuffed, along with his younger passengers. Police seized what appears to be a knife and a balaclava, according to 7NEWS.
Home invasions left families traumatised
The group is accused of carrying out terrifying home invasions across Lalor, Tarneit, and Truganina. Victim Awais Ayyaz said the ordeal left his family traumatised. "They've taken my keys, they've taken my wallet and they've used it at several locations," he said. Within hours of the robbery, the family's bank account was allegedly drained of more than $1000.
His wife, Hira Khan, said their youngest daughter was so traumatised that she now keeps a box at the front door to stop intruders. "She didn't want you to sleep because, you know, she was scared," Khan said. Khan added that she no longer feels safe in her own home.
Separate incident involved eating from victim's fridge
In another home invasion, the alleged offenders reportedly ate cake from the fridge of a family sleeping upstairs. The brazen nature of the crimes has heightened community concern.
Charges and bail status
Six males aged 14 to 22 have been charged over the alleged five-day crime spree. At least three are already free on bail. Charges include home invasion, aggravated burglary, and theft of a motor vehicle. The arrests have provided some relief to affected families, but the trauma lingers.
