Five teens arrested over a violent robbery of a Toorak jewellery store
FIVE teenagers have been arrested over the violent robbery of a Toorak jewellery store in which a shop worker was beaten with a gun.
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FIVE teenagers have been arrested over the violent robbery of a Toorak jewellery store in which a shop worker was beaten with a gun.
The boys aged 16 and 17 were nabbed during raids across Shepparton, Mooroopna, Epping, Dandenong, Collingwood, Richmond and Preston.
The arrests come amid investigations into a series of jewellery store heists.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill said the community should be assured police were committed to stopping the offenders.
“Police can assure the community that we are committed to investigating these incidents, identifying and arresting all those who are involved, whether it be those who plan or actively commit the offences,” Mr Hill said.
Thugs burst into the IMP Jewellers in Toorak Village and beat store manager Stevan Morrow with a gun during the robbery on January 14.
It was the second time in three months the shop had been targeted.
In October, Mr Morrow faced down a gang of bandits as recently when a gun again was pointed at his head in a $200,000 heist.
Dramatic video footage from the January robbery showed members of the gang — one brandishing a pistol — exit the store before returning to smash glass and grab more booty.
The group, all of African appearance, fled with jewellery, stolen from display cases, to a waiting getaway car driven by a fifth man and drove away from Toorak Rd.
It was Melbourne’s third jewel heist over the past weeks.
Two teenagers were arrested and charged in early January over a terrifying armed robbery in Canterbury.
Earlier this month, three raiders used a machete and gun to terrorise bystanders in Elsternwick before making off with $150,000 of jewellery.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Belinda Batty confirmed police had arrested five males.
Two 16-year-old arrested in Shepparton on 19 January have been charged with armed robbery and possess firearm.
They were remanded in custody to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
Two 16-year-old boys and a 17-year-old boy were arrested the following day and were each charged with armed robbery.
They will appear before a children’s court at a later date.