Westgate Alliance Taskforce detectives have arrested eight teenagers after more than $5000 worth of merchandise was stolen from a Maribyrnong shopping centre yesterday afternoon.
Officers will allege a group of teenage girls entered a Rosamund Road sports store and stole about $5500 worth of product before fleeing about 12pm.
The group left the shopping centre in a Kia Sorento, allegedly stolen during an aggravated burglary in Truganina on 5 January.
Police spotted the vehicle on Geelong Road in Footscray and monitored it until the Air Wing was able to take up position.
They allegedly drove towards oncoming traffic before stop sticks were successfully deployed on Mt Derrimut Road, with the vehicle coming to a stop on Boundary Road in Truganina.
Eight teens piled out of the vehicle and allegedly attempted to flee the scene.
Members quickly rounded up the majority of the group, with the Air Wing able to guide police to the final few nearby.
The vehicle was seized, including the items allegedly stolen from the sports store located inside.
Four boys and four girls, aged between 14 and 16, were interviewed.
The alleged driver, a 15-year-old boy, was charged with conduct endangering life, dangerous driving whilst pursued by police and theft of motor vehicle.
He will appear at a children's court later today.
A 16-year-old boy was charged following an alleged home invasion in Point Cook and with theft of motor vehicle.
He will appear before a children's court.
Two boys, aged 15 and 16, and a 16-year-old girl were charged with theft of motor vehicle and will appear at a children's court at a later date.
Another 16-year-old girl was interviewed and released pending summons.
Two girls, aged 14 and 15, were both cautioned.
