Southern Metro Crime Squad detectives are investigating a series of armed robberies and attempted armed robberies in Melbourne’s Southeast, including an IGA in Narre Warren North that was targeted by a group of male offenders, one armed with an axe.
It is understood that the group, wearing dark clothing and face coverings, attended six businesses in a black Jeep over the last few days.
On Saturday, 13 September, three male offenders entered a supermarket on Oakview Boulevard in Narre Warren North around 6:15pm.
One male was armed with an axe and demanded cash from the staff member; the group stole cigarettes and two packs of alcoholic drinks; this was the last of the recorded incidents.
Marcos IGA Narre Warren North posted on their Facebook page over the weekend, confirming the incident.
Following, they added that “our staff are safe”, and that the team “are so proud of the way they [staff] handled such a frightening situation”.
“We are deeply grateful to the customers and locals who stepped in to support us; your actions show the strength of this community.
“Crime of this nature has no place here, and united, we will stand against it,” they said.
The day prior, three male offenders were armed with a machete and entered a supermarket on Adakite Drive in Berwick around 6:15pm on Friday, 12 September; they fled the scene with cash and cigarettes.
Three hours later, around 9:10pm, three male offenders, armed with a machete, attempted to kick their way into a service station on Wells Road in Chelsea Heights; they were unsuccessful.
The next day, on the beginning of Saturday, 13 September, four male offenders entered a milk bar on Rowellyn Avenue in Carrum Downs about 3:35pm.
One of them was armed with a weapon and smashed a till; the staff member intervened, and the offenders fled empty-handed.
A short time later, four offenders entered a store on Thames Promenade in Chelsea Heights; they threatened staff and customers, then attempted to steal cigarettes but were unsuccessful.
Around 5:15pm, five male offenders arrived at a store on Darryl Street in Scoresby, with police being told that four males went inside and one brandished an axe.
The group stole tobacco and fled in the jeep.
There were no injuries during the incidents; as of now, no arrests have been made, and the Jeep is outstanding.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
