Police Investigate String of Violent Robberies in Melbourne Suburbs
Detectives are investigating six armed robberies that occurred overnight, targeting service stations and small retail outlets in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. The coordinated incidents involved up to five offenders, reportedly armed with hammers, axes, and machetes. The suspects used these weapons to smash shopfronts and threaten employees and customers in a spree lasting just over two hours, from 10 p.m. to shortly after midnight.
Incident Locations:
- Small supermarket/bottle shop on Macrina Street, Oakleigh East
- Service station on North Road, Murrumbeena
- Closed supermarket on Lilac Street, Bentleigh East
- Service station at Hawthorn and North Roads, Caulfield South
- Service station on High Street, Ashburton
- Service station on High Street, Malvern
The offenders, all dressed in dark clothing with face coverings, stole cash and cigarettes from some locations. One staff member sustained minor injuries during the assaults, but other individuals involved were not physically harmed. The suspects fled in a white sedan bearing stolen plates.
Authorities are urging anyone with information or witnesses to come forward by contacting Crime Stoppers.
Source police.vic