Wyndham Vale home invasion: Police release images as search for teens continues

Homeowner tells of ransacking, violence inflicted by youths during a home invasion in southwest Melbourne.

Police are seeking the whereabouts of three youths. Picture: AAP

Police have warned the community not to approach three teens who allegedly broke into a home in southwest Melbourne.

Police released images of three youths as reports emerged that a gun was pointed at a woman’s chest during the home invasion.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brett Kahan said he couldn’t comment on whether a gun was used but said crimes involving firearms were highly concerning.

He said the teens were actively avoiding police and they were believed to be in contact with each other.

“They certainly know they’re wanted, they certainly know we’re looking for them,” he said.

Victoria Police allege five teenagers armed with weapons forced entry into a Wyndham Vale home about 5.45am on Saturday November 17 and demanded the victim’s car.

The three occupants of the home, an 80-year-old man, a 66-year-old woman and a 27-year-old woman were not injured during the incident and the car was found at Point Cook later that day.

The homeowner Fritz Menzel said youths took a sledgehammer from his garage and used it to smash their way into his Wyndham Vale house.

He said the youths smashed the home phone before making their way into his wife’s bedroom and ransacking the closet.

Mr Menzel said one of the youths pointed a gun at his wife and threatened to shoot her if she screamed.

“They’re very dangerous,” he said.

“My Missus told them ‘What do you want? You want money? I give you money’.”

Mr Menzel said he slept through the break-in and woke up to hear the family car being driven down the street.

He said the youths had also taken a little axe “like a tomahawk” and pruning shears from his garage with them.

Mr Menzel said the police arrived quickly and had praised his his wife for remaining calm.

However he said his wife had been nervous wreck since the incident and woke up every morning screaming.

He said he hoped police would soon catch the three outstanding teenagers.

“They might do some more damage to other people,” he said.

Wayward taskforce detectives have already charged an 18-year-old Melton West man and a 16-year-old boy with aggravated home invasion and theft of a motor vehicle.

Detectives are seeking the whereabouts of a 17-year-old and two 16-year-old teens. The three youths are known to hang out in Collingwood, Sunshine and Werribee areas.

It is rare for the Children’s Court to allow the publication of the identity of youth offenders.

Wayward Taskforce was set up in March 2017 to target home invasions, carjackings and armed robberies.

The taskforce involves police proactively engaging with “high risk” youths from areas including Wyndham, Melton, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong.

Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au