Southern Metro Crime Team officers and local police and other specialist units have arrested eight people in three allegedly stolen cars after the police Air Wing followed the cars through multiple south-east Melbourne suburbs overnight.
Emergency services were called to reports three cars attended a Thomastown service station and stole petrol about 2.14am.
Air Wing then spotted four vehicles, a Subaru, a Land Rover, a Mercedes Benz and an Audi travelling in convoy on the Eastern Freeway towards Dandenong.
They followed the Subaru to Cairns Road in Hampton Park where police on the ground found the vehicle dumped.
Officers search the area and located and arrested two teenagers nearby.
Police successfully used stop sticks on the Land Rover.
It was dumped at the intersection of Greens Road and South Gippsland Highway in Dandenong South.
The Dog Squad along with members from Critical Incident Response Team located and arrested two youths nearby.
Two edged weapons were also located in the vicinity of the arrests.
The Air Wing continued to follow the Audi sedan to Maple Street, Trafalgar.
Detectives from La Trobe Criminal Investigation Unit intercepted the Audi and arrested the four occupants.
The eight teenagers, ranging in age from 13-17, were interviewed by police.
A 17-year-old Keysborough boy was charged with aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle and other charges.
He was to appear before a children's court today.
A 17-year-old Laverton boy was charged with theft of motor vehicle, aggravated burglary and other charges.
He was to appear before a children's court today.
A 16-year-old Clyde North boy was charged with theft of motor vehicle, theft and other offences.
He was to appear before a children's court today.
A 16-year-old Cranbourne West boy was charged with theft of motor vehicle, possess cannabis and other offences.
He was to appear at a children's court today.
A 16-year-old Cranbourne boy was charged with theft of motor vehicle and bailed to appear at a children's court at a later date.
A 15-year-old Cranbourne girl was charged with theft of motor vehicle and bailed to appear at a children's court at a later date.
A 14-year-old Cranbourne boy was charged with theft of motor vehicle and bailed to appear at a children's court at a later date.
A 13-year-old Cranbourne boy was released pending further enquires.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
