Malmsbury riot: Dozen of teens charged with 150 offences

POLICE have charged more than two dozen teens with 150 offences after the mass breakout from a Victorian youth detention centre, which led to carjackings and a violent statewide crime spree.

Preliminary charges have been laid against 13 offenders but the tally is expected to rise. Picture: Aaron Francis/The Australian

POLICE have charged more than two dozen teens with 150 offences after the mass breakout from a Victorian youth detention centre, which led to carjackings and a violent statewide crime spree.

Victoria Police confirmed preliminary charges had been laid against 13 offenders but the investigation was ongoing and the tally was expected to rise.

However the government revealed 27 youths were facing a range of charges which are understood to include property offences, car theft and burglary.

Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos said the rampaging teens could expect to “feel the full force of the law’’.

It is alleged 30 young men escaped from the Malmsbury facility on January 26 after attacking a guard. Some escapees climbed on to a roof in a stand-off with police.

Other escapees stole a vehicle from the carpark. They evaded police and reached Melbourne, attempting a carjacking and committing an aggravated burglary along the way.

Opposition spokeswoman Georgie Crozier has called for the minister to resign over the issue.