Gang of teens swarm Shepparton JB Hi-Fi store
iPads, mobile phones and laptops have been stolen from a JB Hi-Fi store in a brazen daylight hit. It’s the latest in a concerning list of swarming thefts on unsuspecting electronic stores.
VIC News
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Seven teens swarmed a Shepparton electronics store and made off with $20,000 worth of goods in a brazen daylight hit.
The group allegedly stormed the Wyndham St JB Hi-Fi just before 12.30pm on Tuesday.
Once inside, they allegedly ripped iPads, mobile phones and laptops from their displays and then ran from the store.
A short time later police caught the teens about 10km away in Kialla.
Two 17-year-old boys and a 16-year-old boy were charged with multiple offences including burglary and theft.
They were remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
Two other teen boys, 17 and 16, were bailed and will appear at a children’s court at a later date to face charges including theft and burglary.
A 19-year-old Mooroopna man and an 18-year-old Shepparton were also charged.
They will faces charges of handling stolen goods at the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on February 3.
Police also recovered $20,000 worth of property stolen in the incident.
Group swarming theft hits have become commonplace at shopping centre retail outlets including JB Hi-Fi over the past eight months.
After an attack at another outlet recently, a JB Hi-FI spokesman told the Herald Sun the company was working closely with police to minimise the issue.
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“JB Hi-Fi takes very seriously the recent thefts in a number of its Victoria stores,” a company spokesman said.
The electronics chain has been so affected by the scourge, they have removed Apple products from displays in multiple stores.
Detectives believe some kids grabbing the expensive electronics from JB Hi-Fi stores in group attacks may be stealing to order.
Others are were acting on peer pressure and stealing things because they wanted them for themselves.