18-year-old charged over multiple Bendigo home invasions, car thefts, burglaries

A Bendigo teen has been charged over a series of frightening armed home invasions across the state including one where he allegedly crawled through a doggie door to steal car keys.

Police have charged an accused teen crim over multiple Bendigo home invasions where he allegedly broke into homes and stole cars while unsuspecting families slept.

The 18-year-old was arrested on Fitzpatrick Court in California Gully on Friday about 9.30am after the alleged crime spree across Bendigo and Melbourne.

Police will allege the 18-year-old committed a series of alleged aggravated burglaries, and multiple car thefts in the Bendigo, Maryborough and Melbourne areas.

Police arrest the 18-year-old in California Gully on February 28. Picture: Victoria Police.

Police will allege the teen was armed with a meat cleaver when he and accomplices entered a Fairfield home through a doggie door to steal keys to a Subaru on February 22.

It is also alleged the offender was involved in two separate burglaries targeting massage parlours in Bendigo on February 6, and in Richmond on 11 February where 30 handbags were allegedly stolen.

Detective Inspector Dan Davison said Bendigo police “are dedicated, focused and will continue to work hard to hold those who offend to account”.

The 18-year-old was remanded in custody to face Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with home invasion, four counts of aggravated burglary, three counts of attempted aggravated burglary, robbery, two counts of burglary, six counts of theft of motor vehicle, six counts of theft and other related offences.