By XAVIER SMERDON
FOUR Wyndham teenagers have been arrested for a series of alleged armed robberies and assaults on taxi drivers in Werribee and Hoppers Crossing.
In the latest incident a man who identified himself as ‘Ben’ called a taxi to Fisher Court in Werribee at around 2.30am last Saturday.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said that once the taxi arrived, it is alleged the male sat in the front passenger seat while two other males wearing balaclavas opened the driver’s door and assaulted him, before stealing his keys and wallet.
“It is alleged the two males produced knives and demanded cash, before the taxi driver handed over notes to one of them and the other stole a coin dispenser,” the spokesperson said.
“The four offenders left with the victim’s keys, wallet and cash east towards the Heathdale Glen Orden Wetlands.” Shortly afterwards four teenagers were arrested near the wetlands.
The incident is believed to be linked to three assaults and armed robberies on taxi drivers in Hoppers Crossing and Werribee. A 16-year-old Hoppers Crossing boy, a 17-year-old Werribee boy, and an 18-year-old Werribee man are expected to be charged with four counts of armed robbery and recklessly causing serious injury.
A 16-year-old Tarneit boy is expected to be charged with three counts of armed robbery and recklessly causing serious injury.