By Xavier Smerdon
AN Ardeer resident was among a group of teenage bandits who wreaked havoc in Werribee last week.
Police believe the group stole food, valuables and cash from residents in a five hour crime spree around town, which included two robberies at the Werribee train station, assaulting a fast food worker, and robbing and bashing a taxi driver.
Two 17-year-olds, one from Laverton and the other from Ardeer, and a 15-year-old from Hoppers Crossing were arrested early on Tuesday and charged with armed robbery, robbery and assault.
Senior Sergeant Dagmar Andersen from Werribee police said there has been a slight increase in these kinds of crimes.
“In the Wyndham area, there has been in increase, and that’s probably based on a couple of factors,” she said.
“These are usually opportunistic offences, where people are wondering the streets late at night.
“In general terms, the style of offences has moved towards opportunistic street based crimes.”
Snr Sgt Andersen encouraged residents to contact police if they were assaulted.
“People need to remember there is never any amount of money that is worth challenging (criminals) over,” she said.
“Try not to panic and form as much information on your attackers as you can.”
