Four teenagers, including one as young as 13, have been arrested by Victoria Police after allegedly stealing a car and leading officers on a high-speed chase across Melbourne. The incident began when the stolen car was taken from Lawson Street, Essendon, around 1:30 am on Monday morning. Police caught up with the vehicle in Albert Street, Preston, and began pursuing it.
The police were assisted by the Air Wing helicopter, which tracked the teenagers to Springvale. One of the teens attempted to access another vehicle in Springvale but was apprehended by officers. The stolen car then drove back and forth on the Monash Freeway until stop sticks were deployed at Brandon Park shopping centre, leading to the arrest of the other three teens.
The four teenagers, aged 13 to 15, are currently helping police with their enquiries. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to contact Crime Stoppers. This incident comes amid a significant increase in motor vehicle thefts in Victoria, with a rise of nearly 23% in reported incidents. Car thefts by youths aged 14 to 17 have increased by over 50% in the past year.
The surge in youth crime, particularly related to motor vehicle theft, is a concerning trend that law enforcement agencies are working to address. The involvement of teenagers as young as 13 in such criminal activities highlights the need for early intervention and support for at-risk youth in the community. Authorities are urging parents and guardians to be aware of the activities and behaviors of their teenagers to prevent them from engaging in criminal behavior.
It is essential for the community to come together to address the root causes of youth crime and provide young people with positive alternatives and support systems. By working collaboratively with law enforcement, social services, and educational institutions, we can help steer at-risk youth away from criminal activities and towards a more positive and productive future.