Two teenage boys arrested after Westfield Plenty Valley JB Hi-Fi robbery
Two teenage boys have been arrested after the brazen daytime robbery of a JB Hi-Fi store at Westfield Plenty Valley. But four youths remain on the run after tens of thousands of dollars worth of electronics were taken from the Mill Park store.
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Two teenage boys have been arrested after the brazen daytime robbery of a JB Hi-Fi store at Westfield Plenty Valley.
Up to six youths were filmed in the act as they raided tens of thousands of dollars worth of electrical goods, including Apple laptop computers, from the store about 2.45pm on October 22.
Detectives arrested a 16-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy during searches of western suburbs properties on October 25.
Police confirmed on Monday the search for the remaining four youths was continuing.
It’s alleged the group stole a number of mobile phones worth $19,600 before fleeing the McDonalds Rd complex in a blue Holden Commodore.
Police spokeswoman Megan Stefanec said officers found the Commodore in a shopping centre carpark on the Melton Highway in Taylors Lakes about 5pm the same day.
In footage taken of the smash-and-grab, obtained by Leader, three hooded young men can be seen grabbing Apple laptop computers and running through the store with the stolen goods.
It’s unclear who filmed the incident.
The two teenagers are assisting police with their inquiries.
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Ms Stefanec said the arrests were part of Operation Liege, a statewide operation targeting group thefts at retail, electronic and telecommunications stores across the state.
“Operation Liege is an ongoing statewide investigative and enforcement capability activated as required to address youth-related offending across Victoria,” she said.
It comes after JB Hi-Fi stores in Nunawading and Camberwell were targeted by gang thefts.
Police have so far arrested 57 young people as part of Operation Liege for offences including carjackings, swarming crimes and home invasions.