In short:
Police charged seven boys over 14 alleged aggravated burglaries at 24-hour gyms in Tarneit and Hoppers Crossing in Melbourne’s west. Detectives say stolen keys, a vehicle and gym passes were recovered during searches across Wyndham.
Police Charge Teens After Western Burglaries
Police charged seven boys after an alleged series of aggravated burglaries at several 24-hour gym facilities across Melbourne’s west.
Investigators allege 14 incidents occurred between 12 September and 4 November, with offenders using stolen gym passes and following members into gyms on Hummingbird Boulevard in Tarneit, Derrimut Road in Tarneit and Old Geelong Road in Hoppers Crossing.
Once inside, the offenders allegedly stole personal items including car keys, headphones and wallets from gym bags.
Search warrants were executed at properties in Truganina, Wyndham Vale and Tarneit, where police seized stolen keys, a stolen vehicle and several gym passes.
- Two boys, aged 14 and 15 from the Wyndham area, were charged and remanded on five counts of aggravated burglary and five counts of theft of a motor vehicle.
- A 15-year-old Wyndham boy was charged and bailed on eight counts of aggravated burglary and eight counts of theft from a motor vehicle.
- A 14-year-old Wyndham boy was charged and bailed on four counts of aggravated burglary and four counts of theft of a motor vehicle.
- A 13-year-old boy is expected to be charged on summons with two counts of aggravated burglary and two counts of theft of a motor vehicle.
All matters will be listed in a children’s court at a later date.
Two boys, aged 15 and 12, received a formal caution.
