Taskforce Lunar

Police investigate series of armed service station robberies

Police are investigating a spate of armed robberies targeting service stations across Melbourne’s southeast on Wednesday, 4 December.

The crime spree began around 10.30 pm at a service station on High Street in Glen Iris, where five offenders arrived in a stolen black Volkswagen T-Roc. Three of them exited the vehicle armed with a machete, a hammer, and an axe. They made demands for cigarettes, jumping over the service counter. Two employees sought safety in a staff room as the offenders fled the scene.

Shortly after, at approximately 10.45 pm, the same group is believed to have targeted a service station at the intersection of Whitehorse and Middleborough roads in Blackburn. Witnesses reported that a customer was threatened before staff managed to lock the service station doors, forcing the offenders to leave empty-handed.

The offenders struck again about five minutes later at a service station on Springfield and Middleborough roads in Blackburn North. This time, three entered the store, with one wielding a machete as they accessed the service area. They fled with cigarettes and cash.

At 10.55 pm, the stolen Volkswagen was spotted at another service station on Canterbury Road in Ringwood. Three offenders entered the store, leaping over the counter to steal cigarettes and cash before escaping south on Eastlink.

The crime wave continued at 11.40 pm when two offenders raided a service station on Poath and North roads in Hughesdale. They jumped over the counter and made off with trays of cigarettes in the stolen vehicle.

The group’s final target was a supermarket on Hawthorn Road in Caulfield South, where they attempted to force entry by throwing objects at the door. Their efforts were thwarted when a staff member disturbed them, prompting the offenders to flee empty-handed.

No injuries were reported during the series of incidents. The Volkswagen used in the crimes was reported stolen from a property in Doncaster on 2 December.

Police have urged anyone with information, CCTV or dash cam footage, or who may have witnessed the incidents to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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