Police have charged multiple youths following a spate of alleged armed robberies and thefts across Hume and Whittlesea earlier this month.
The charges relate to three alleged incidents in Mill Park and Epping, including a theft at a McDonalds Road shopping centre on April 9, where the a 16-year-old Hume teen allegedly threatened a store worker with a machete while attempting to steal speakers.
He is accused of fleeing in a stolen silver Holden Astra.
Shortly after, an armed robbery occurred at a Lyndarum Drive shopping centre, where two males– one allegedly wielding a machete– stole cartons of cigarettes.
On April 15, police believe three males targeted a McDonalds Road Jewellery store, stealing multiple pieces before fleeing in a stolen black MG hatch.
On April 17, search warrants in Mickleham and Collingwood led to the arrest of two men.
A further two males were arrested following raids in Craigieburn and Meadow Heights on April 29.
The 16-year-old boy from the Hume area has been charged with two counts of armed robbery, theft, and theft of a motor vehicle.
He was remanded to appear before a Children’s Court at a later date.
A Craigieburn man, 18, and a 20-year-old Collingwood man were also charged over the incidents and remanded to appear before a magistrates court in June and July respectively.
Police allege the Astra was stolen from Mickleham on April 9, and the MG hatch from Wollert on March 17.
