St Albans: Alleged motorbike thief’s overnight roof hide-out

A “distressed” man spent hours hiding out on a residential roof after he allegedly carjacked a motorcycle in Melbourne’s west.

The house on Ivanhoe Avenue where a 36-year-old St Albans man spent more than 13 hours on the roof after allegedly stealing a motorcycle. Picture: Liam Beatty.

An alleged motorcycle thief has been arrested after a tense 13-hour standoff with police after hiding out on a residential roof.

Police allege the man was behind a carjacking near the intersection of Ballarat Rd and Duke Rd in Sunshine on Thursday at around 5pm.

“Police were told a man was stationary on his motorcycle at the intersection … when an unknown man approached him,” a police spokesman said.

“It is alleged the man assaulted the rider before stealing the motorcycle.”

The house on Ivanhoe Ave where a 36-year-old St Albans man spent more than 13 hours on the roof after allegedly stealing a motorcycle. Picture: Liam Beatty.

Just over an hour later police were called to a home on Ivanhoe Ave in nearby St Albans after residents observed a man climbing onto the roof of a residential property.

Officers evacuated the family and began negotiating with the man for his surrender.

After more than 13 hours on the roof, the 36-year-old St Albans man climbed down a ladder and was taken into custody shortly after 7am.

He was transported to hospital under police guard.

Police at the St Albans home where an alleged carjacker spent more than 13 hours hiding on the roof. Picture: Liam Beatty

Neighbour Eileen Moss said she watched police “calmly” speak to the man from her living room window as he jumped to several roofs.

“I’m shocked, you just don’t get this sort of thing around here,” she said.

“He seemed really distressed, I hope he is all right.”

The spokesman said investigations into the incident were ongoing, and the man had not yet been charged with any offences.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.gov.au

More to come.

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