Street gang believed behind armed robberies target of covert police
Ten young men have been arrested in a raid on violent inner Melbourne street gangs. A covert police operation picked up the youths for offences including armed robbery and aggravated burglary. It takes the total nabbed by police to more than 30.
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Dozens of youths linked to violent inner Melbourne street gangs have been arrested following a massive covert police operation.
More than 30 people have been arrested by police targeting violent crime in the Collingwood area.
The operation, led by Melbourne Embona Taskforce and the Gang Crime Squad, used a range of covert methods to gather intelligence on targets linked to armed robberies, aggravated burglaries, assaults, drugs and weapons offences.
Ten males aged 17 – 20 were arrested on August 31 after police raids in Fitzroy, Cobblebank, Reservoir, Tarneit, Altona North, Footscray West, Kurunjang, North Melbourne, Collingwood, Fitzroy North and Point Cook.
They were charged with a range of offences including armed robbery, handle stolen goods, possess proceeds of crime, theft, unlawful assault, obtain property by deception, criminal damage, intentionally cause injury, affray, false imprisonment and bail offences.
Five were remanded in custody following their arrest.
Since July police have arrested 32 people have been arrested as part of the operation.
Twenty-one people have been charged, with 11 remanded in custody.
Police also issued a Firearm Prohibition Order and one person faces possible deportation from the country after federal authorities were called in for a visa cancellation.
Local police, the Bike Patrol and Mounted Branch patrolled the City of Yarra this week to stamp out youth gang crime.
Detective Superintendent Peter Brigham from the Crime Command State Anti Gangs Division said police will continue to actively target high-harm offenders.
“We know these gangs and the associated offenders cause immense harm in our communities and the impact of their offending is felt by victims for a long time,” he said.
“We want these offenders to understand that police, drawn from a number of areas, will continue to have a high focus on disrupting street gangs, and preventing their criminal offending.
Superintendent Darren Franks, who is Melbourne’s Divisional Commander in charge of Melbourne and Yarra, warned offenders “police will find you (and) hold you to account”.
Anyone with information about offences or gang activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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