Five arrested over carjacking spree across Melbourne’s north
Teenagers as young as 15 are in custody after a run of alleged carjackings hit six suburbs in ten days.
Five people have been arrested over a string of carjackings across Melbourne’s north this month, some of them children.
Three were picked up early on Saturday, hours after a group of youths — some said to be armed — were seen fighting near Southbank Promenade about 1.50am.
Police moved in after the allegedly stolen Hyundai Getz the group was believed to be travelling in was spotted on Stawell Avenue in Dallas a short time later.
Officers had reason to think those in the fight were wanted over a series of carjackings.
General duties police, the Dog Squad, the Public Order Response Team and the Critical Incident Response Team tracked the teenagers down nearby.
A 17-year-old and a 15-year-old, both from the Hume area, have been charged with theft of a motor vehicle.
A 16-year-old, also from Hume, is expected to be charged with possessing a prohibited weapon.
The arrests fed into a wider investigation.
Police allege a run of carjackings hit Coburg, Fawkner, Hadfield, Campbellfield, Mickleham and Wallan between 1 and 10 July.
Two more people were arrested on Saturday after officers executed warrants in Broadmeadows and Meadow Heights.
A 15-year-old and a 16-year-old from Hume were questioned over incidents in Fawkner and Hadfield on Thursday 9 July, and are expected to be charged on summons.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.