Armed gang storms Mount Waverley, Murrumbeena IGA stores

A gang of masked cigarette bandits are on the run after robbing two IGA stores in Melbourne’s southeast, assaulting a customer and fleeing with stolen goods.

A gang of armed cigarette thieves stormed the IGA store in Murrumbeena on Saturday morning. Picture: David Crosling

A gang of armed cigarette bandits is on the run after targeting two southeast IGA’s on Saturday morning.

Five masked offenders, including one armed with a large machete, entered the Mount Waverley IGA, on Stephensons Rd, at 7.50am.

The group made demands for cash and cigarettes before they assaulted a customer and then fled the scene with their stolen goods.

The customer was not injured.

The group drove away in a black Mercedes that was stolen from Catherine Drive in Hillside earlier on Saturday morning.

The Mt Waverley IGA store was targeted by a gang of armed thieves. Picture: Hannah Krasovec

Police believe the same offenders then stormed the Murrumbeena IGA in front of horrified onlookers.

Store owner, Karen Meredith said the scary ordeal happened at 8.20am on Saturday morning.

“There are two nearby cafes and the area was very busy,” she said.

“Four teenagers came in with a massive machete, hoodies up and masks on.

“My employee was standing near the back of the store and just rushed straight out the back when she saw them.”

Mrs Meredith said the men jumped over the counter and stole a large amount of cigarettes.

Customers were in the store at the time of the robbery.

No one was injured during the incident.

“It all happened very quickly,” Mrs Meredith said.

“They jumped back in their car and sped off.

“Police told me they chased them for a while but it was too dangerous with their speeding.”

Mrs Meredith said her employees have been left “shaken” after the incident but they are okay.

Investigators are treating the incidents as linked.

Any witnesses, anyone with vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.