A 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were arrested on Wednesday following an investigation into five robberies committed in the Sunshine area during August and September.
The duo are accused of attacking four people, including three elderly women and a mother, and holding up a fast food store in Altona Meadows.
On 31 August a 77-year-old pensioner had her handbag stolen, while a 70-year-old woman was also attacked on the same day.
On 17 September the robbers pushed a 82-year-old woman to the ground and stole her groceries and attempted to snatch a mother’s handbag.
The woman was walking down the street with her five-year-old son when she was attacked, the offenders dragging her onto the road where she was almost hit by a passing car.
Two days later the offenders struck again, holding up an Altona Meadows fast food outlet armed with a large knife.
Brimbank Police Inspector Michael Grainger said he hoped the arrests would send a strong message to the community that police would be cracking down on criminals in the municipality.
He advised residents to be vigilant of their own safety.
“In terms of safety, my advice is to travel with others where possible and in well lit areas. Surrender your property if you are confronted and take close note of the description of the offenders before calling police as soon as possible.”
