In short:
A 41-year-old Hoppers Crossing man has been charged after his arrest in Werribee, becoming the fifth person charged under Operation Eclipse — Victoria Police’s investigation into home invasions and attacks targeting hospitality venue promoters. He is due to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.
Venue promoters targeted
Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have this afternoon charged a fifth man as part of an investigation into incidents potentially linked to the targeting of hospitality venues.
A 41-year-old Hoppers Crossing man was arrested in Werribee around 9.45am on Tuesday, 16 June. He has since been charged with aggravated home invasion, intentionally cause injury, common law assault and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
The man is scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later today.
Investigators allege those involved have been targeting promoters for an event held at a licensed venue on York Street on Saturday nights.
Today’s arrest follows an incident in which it is alleged a number of offenders armed with weapons — including a samurai sword — forced entry into a Templestowe property around 6.15am on Friday, 10 April, while a family was present.
Two men inside the address, 28-year-old Paul Samlidis a nightclub promoter and his 67-year-old father, were allegedly assaulted. The 67-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries to his head.
Between 29 April and 20 May, four males — including a 22-year-old from Wollert and three 17-year-olds — were charged in relation to several linked incidents. They are listed to appear at court at a later date.
Operation Eclipse commenced on 27 April to target a range of serious and organised crime syndicates believed to be involved in a series of offending linked to hospitality venues, as well as to determine the motive for the attacks.
The operation, led by specialist detectives including the Gang Crime Squad and Arson and Explosives Squad, continues to work closely with local police, particularly regional detectives who continue to respond to and investigate the incidents.
“The specialist resources in Operation Eclipse will focus on the organisers and those pulling the strings,” police said. “Investigators are continuing to look at all possible motivations behind the offending including who is involved and why.”
“Police remain open to a range of possibilities, and we encourage anyone with any information to come forward.”
Police continue to maintain an increased presence in both an overt and covert capacity throughout entertainment precincts, including increased patrols of these areas and visits to licensed premises.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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