Detectives will investigate a series of six incidents overnight where armed offenders have targeted service stations and small retail outlets across the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
Police have been told on each occasion up to five offenders may have been involved and have entered or tried to enter the various stores in a two-hour window between just before 10pm until shortly after midnight.
Those involved were armed with hammers, an axe and what has been described as machete's which were used at the various locations to smash shop fronts and or threaten victims including staff and customers.
The location of the incidents in order include:
• A small supermarket/bottle shop in Macrina Street in Oakleigh East.
• A service station in North Road Murrumbeena.
• A small supermarket in Lilac Street Bentleigh East, which was closed at the time.
• A service station at the corner of Hawthorn and North roads in Caufield South.
• A service station in High Street Ashburton, and
• a service station in High Street Malvern.
The offenders were all described as wearing dark coloured clothing and were wearing face coverings.
At some of the locations the quintet made off with various items including cash and cigarettes.
One staff member was physically assaulted and received minor injuries while other staff and customers weren't physically injured.
It is believed the offenders were travelling in a white coloured sedan with stolen plates.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
