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Laurence Lestrange charged over Chinatown restaurant burglaries

A man who took advantage of lockdown to rob popular Chinatown restaurants has been charged.

Laurence Micheal Lestrange was in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday following a string of CBD break-ins.
Laurence Micheal Lestrange was in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday following a string of CBD break-ins.

A man who took advantage of lockdown to allegedly rob restaurants in Melbourne’s once-thriving Chinatown precinct has been charged.

Police allege Laurence Lestrange targeted Asian eateries within a 200m radius, including Shanghai Street, Momo Station, Crystal Jade Restaurant and WeLive for Hotpot during April and July.

Laurence Micheal Lestrange faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday foon a string of charges.
Laurence Micheal Lestrange faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday foon a string of charges.

The 31-year-old faced Melbourne Magistrates’ court on Wednesday charged with obtaining property by deception, trespassing, burglary and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

His haul is alleged to have included many mobile phones, wallets and iPads worth several thousands of dollar.

Several CBD resturants in Chinatown have been burgled during Melbourne's lockdown.
Several CBD resturants in Chinatown have been burgled during Melbourne's lockdown.

Police allege a $600 iPad was stolen from Crystal Jade Restaurant, $550 cash from Shanghai Village, $300 cash and an $600 iPad from WeLive for Hotpot and $400 cash from Momo Station.

Police have also charged Mr Lestrange with theft of three mobiles, an iPad and a wallet valued at $4000 from a Hardware Lane real estate agency in April.

The matter will return to the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 22, where it is expected he will plead guilty.

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Contact Grace at grace.mckinnon@news.com.au

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/melbourne-city/laurence-lestrange-charged-over-chinatown-restaurant-burglaries/news-story/aa0f76d42b09a0d2c5d047c665b52b83