Four teenagers have been charged over an alleged south-east Melbourne crime spree involving 21 offences across the city’s bayside and south-eastern suburbs. Women were allegedly dragged, punched and shoved to the ground, while a convenience store worker was chased with a machete.
An 18-year-old man has also been charged in connection with the investigation, with Victoria Police announcing further charges on Wednesday, 21 October.
Detectives allege a group of youths used stolen vehicles to target mostly women travelling alone during September.
Lone Women Targeted During Alleged Robberies
Police allege the crime spree began on Monday, 21 September, when several teenagers stole a Haval Jolion and Honda Odyssey from outside a Glen Waverley gym.
The vehicles were allegedly used in subsequent robberies, including four incidents on Thursday, 24 September.
At approximately 7.45pm, a 64-year-old woman was allegedly dragged by several offenders while waiting at traffic lights outside Chadstone Shopping Centre. Her groceries were stolen.
Shortly afterwards, another woman was allegedly punched in the face and robbed of her designer purse outside the shopping centre.
At approximately 8pm, a woman was allegedly shoved to the ground and robbed of her bag on Princes Highway in Clayton.
Ten minutes later, another woman allegedly had her handbag stolen while leaving a hairdresser on Bluff Road in Highett.
A day earlier, a 74-year-old woman allegedly had her handbag snatched while walking along Beach Road in Beaumaris.
Shop Worker Chased With Machete
The alleged offending extended to a convenience store on Bluff Road in Black Rock.
At approximately 8.40pm on 24 September, offenders allegedly chased a male employee with a machete before stealing cash.
Victoria Police confirmed the worker was not physically injured.
Further Charges Laid Against Teenagers
On Thursday, 15 October, detectives arrested a 15-year-old boy following a search warrant in the Melton area.
He was charged with aggravated burglary, two counts of motor vehicle theft, five counts of theft and two counts of robbery.
The teenager was remanded to appear before a children’s court at a later date.
On Tuesday, 20 October, police arrested a 16-year-old boy from Greater Dandenong and laid further charges.
He faces seven counts of aggravated robbery, two counts of attempted robbery, one count of aggravated burglary and two counts of theft.
He appeared before a children’s court that afternoon.
The latest developments follow earlier charges against an 18-year-old Springvale man and two 16-year-old boys from Greater Dandenong.
In total, four teenagers and one adult have been charged in connection with the investigation.
Police Investigation Continues
Southern Metro Region Crime Squad detectives continue to investigate the 21 alleged offences, which include robberies, armed robberies, aggravated burglaries, petrol drive-offs and other offences.
Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
The charges remain allegations and have not been proven in court.
Source: Victoria Police, 21 October 2026
