Art gallery allegedly ‘extensively damaged’ by teens in stolen car

Six teenagers who allegedly caused “extensive damage” to a popular tourist attraction after crashing into it in a stolen car have been “cautioned” by police.

Six teenagers who allegedly left a beloved art gallery in Melbourne’s east in ruins following a car crash on Saturday morning have received a caution from police.

The six youths were allegedly driving a stolen Audi when they lost control of the car along Ridge Road, causing them to run through a stone barrier and crash into the front of Kapi Art Space at Kalorama shortly after 3am.

Police said the gallery was “extensively damaged” as a result of the crash.

Police have arrested six youths after a stolen Audi ploughed into an Kapi Art Space. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

When officers arrived at the scene the occupants of the Audi had all fed, though they managed to quickly arrest a teenage girl.

While police looked for the five remaining offenders, they received a report of an attempted car theft nearby on Price Road.

Police flagged down a rideshare vehicle and found four teenagers inside.

Four boys and two girls were arrested and taken into custody, where they received a formal caution.

The final teen was rounded up after he was chased down by the dog squad.

Kapi Art Space owner Heather Bradbury outside her destroyed gallery. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

Five of the teens were interviewed by Victoria Police on Saturday while the sixth was taken to hospital with a leg injury after they were bitten by the police dog.

Victoria Police on Sunday told NCA Newswire all six teens were interviewed and received a formal caution.

Police have urged any witnesses and anyone with CCTV/dashcam footage or information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Art gallery allegedly ‘extensively damaged’ by teens in stolen car