In short:
A stolen grey Mercedes was used in a violent crime spree across Melbourne from Werribee to Nunawading. Police are seeking information on the armed gang responsible for nine robberies and attempts in one night.
Police say gang used knives, bats, and hammers during coordinated strikes
Wyndham Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a string of armed robberies and attempted robberies that occurred across Melbourne overnight, believed to be linked by a stolen vehicle.
The grey 2019 Mercedes sedan, reported stolen from Hoppers Crossing on 22 June, is central to the coordinated attacks which began around 10pm on 1 July and continued until approximately 3.30am on 2 July.
The spree began when three males armed with a knife entered a tobacco store on Shaws Road in Werribee shortly before 10pm. The offenders were confronted by the store attendant and fled empty-handed in the Mercedes.
Just minutes later, at about 10.05pm, a convenience store on Rose Grange Boulevard was targeted. Offenders armed with a knife and baseball bat demanded money and cigarettes but again fled without stealing anything.
Around midnight, the group, now wearing ski masks and carrying weapons, tried to break into a fast-food restaurant and service station on Dohertys Road in Truganina. Their attempt was unsuccessful, and they fled the scene.
By 12.05am, the group attended a service station on Leakes Road in Laverton North, where they stole a pack of energy drinks and drove off. At 12.20am, they forced entry into a service station on Sayers Road in Williams Landing and stole cigarettes.
The Mercedes was then spotted in Oakleigh around 1.15am during a petrol drive-off. Soon after, four offenders armed with a hammer forced entry into a service station on Warrigal Road in Bentleigh East, stealing more cigarettes. At 1.30am, three male offenders targeted the same service station again, using a knife and baseball bat to intimidate staff and steal cigarettes.
At 3.10am, four masked males arrived at a service station on Whitehorse Road in Nunawading, where they threw stones at the entrance. Unable to gain access, they fled once more in the stolen vehicle.
No injuries were reported in any of the incidents. Police have made no arrests and are appealing to the public for information.
Anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage or knowledge of the events is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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