Four attacked in violent street robberies near university campuses
A trio of youths has been arrested after four people were assaulted and robbed in a string of violent armed robberies near two Melbourne university campuses.
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Three teens have been arrested over a string of violent armed robberies near university campuses.
The first incident took place near Monash University in Clayton about 7pm last night.
A 25-year-old Clayton man was walking on Stockdale Ave when he was confronted by three males, who hit him with an object.
The victim was threatened into handing over his bag and phone before the offenders fled.
Police believe the same group of youths carried out a further two robberies near Deakin University in Burwood.
Six offenders approached two victims, aged 20 and 21, and assaulted them before stealing their phones, computers and wallets.
About ten minutes later a 32-year-old Burwood man was attacked with an object, before he was robbed.
The attack allegedly involved three of the same youths.
The victim required medical treatment for his injuries.
Police, including the specialist Public Order Response Unit, tracked the group to Merrick St, Keysborough after receiving reports of a suspicious vehicle about 8.20pm.
Three teens, all aged 17, fled police on foot but were caught a short time later.
They are in custody and are expected to be charged with armed robbery related offences.
Investigations are searching for another three males in relation to the robberies.
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Operation Tidal, which targets youth crime in the southeast and eastern suburbs, has led to more than 400 arrests of offenders as young as 12 since April.
Acting Superintendent Mark Langhorne said it is “alarming” to see the violence committed by youth gangs.
“It’s the seriousness of the offending and the jump from zero to one hundred,” he told 3AW.
A huge amount of police resources are being pumped into crime-targeted areas in the region, including Fountain Gate shopping centre, Dandenong Plaza and Monash University in Clayton.
African and Maori community leaders are being called in to help police engage with youths at at-risk locations such as shopping centres.
Earlier this year, the Herald Sun revealed international university students were being robbed and bashed in a brutal wave of attacks near Monash University in Clayton.
Police received reports of 13 holdups in over 18 days over April and May.
It is understood many more did not report the attacks to police.
Victims, many of them from China, were often targeted while they were alone.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au