A Frankston man and a Rosebud man are among three people charged following an alleged armed robbery at a jewellery store in Berwick and two other alleged incidents on the same day, according to Victoria Police. Detectives from the Casey Crime Investigation Unit said the charges followed a wider investigation into incidents on Tuesday, 17 February, which police believe are linked.
Police allege three linked incidents
Victoria Police allege three masked male offenders armed with hammers and bats entered a jewellery store on High Street, Berwick, about 12pm. Police say the group allegedly assaulted the shopkeeper, smashed glass cabinets and stole jewellery. The shopkeeper was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Police allege the offenders fled in a waiting Toyota Kluger, which had allegedly been stolen from Murrumbeena on 14 February.
Investigators also allege the same group targeted two other jewellery stores earlier and later that day. Police said masked offenders approached a jewellery store at a shopping centre on Overland Drive in Narre Warren about 11.30am while allegedly armed with a hammer, but did not attempt to enter the business.
In Altona North, police allege the stolen Toyota reversed into the roller door of a store on The Circle just after 1.30pm. Three people were inside at the time and were not physically injured. Police said the offenders were unable to gain access and fled empty-handed.
Three men charged
Following what police described as extensive investigations, three men were arrested earlier this month. Victoria Police said an 18-year-old Frankston man, an 18-year-old Carrum Downs man and a 19-year-old Rosebud man were charged with a combined total of 48 offences.
The charges listed by police include armed robbery, intentionally cause injury, assault, reckless conduct endanger serious injury, attempted aggravated burglary, going equipped to steal, theft of motor vehicle, loiter with intent to commit indictable offence, and criminal damage.
Court appearances
Police said the 19-year-old Rosebud man was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 30 March, the 18-year-old Carrum Downs man was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 10 April, and the 18-year-old Frankston man was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 27 May.
