Detectives from Eastern Region Crime Squad have charged a boy following a series of alleged armed robberies across Melbourne's eastern suburbs this week.
The charges relate to incidents that occurred on 14 and 15 April, where it is alleged a group of offenders who were driving an allegedly stolen white Audi sedan, targeted multiple premises to steal cigarettes.
• An alleged armed robbery in Macleod on 14 April at 7.23pm where offenders were armed with a hammer and threatened staff before stealing cash.
• An alleged burglary in Doncaster East on Reynolds Road on 14 April about 8pm, where it is alleged four offenders entered a business and three jumped the counter and stole cigarettes and cash.
• An alleged burglary in Murrumbeena on 14 April about 8.45pm where it is alleged four offenders entered a business, three jumped the counter and stole cigarettes and cash
• An alleged burglary in Kilsyth on Canterbury Road about 9.50pm, where it is alleged three offenders jumped the counter and stole the cash register before fleeing.
• An alleged robbery in Burwood on 14 April about 10.30pm where it is alleged four offenders threatened staff before stealing cigarettes.
• An alleged armed robbery in Eltham on Main Road on 15 April about 7.30pm, where it is alleged four offenders entered a store and one offender jumped the counter whilst holding a knife and stole cigarettes
• An alleged armed robbery in Blackburn on Salisbury Avenue on 15 April about 7.20pm, where it is alleged that four youth offenders wearing balaclavas entered a store armed with a knife, stealing cash and cigarettes
• An alleged armed robbery in Ferntree Gully on 15 April about 8.45pm where it is alleged that four offenders threatened staff with a knife and hammer before stealing cigarettes and cash.
A 15-year-old Carrum Downs boy has been charged with 14 offences including theft of motor vehicle, four counts of armed robbery, robbery, two counts of unlawful assault, three counts of burglary, three counts of theft.
He will appear before a children's court.
Investigators are still searching for several other offenders in relation to the incidents.
Anyone who has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
