Between streetlights and traffic, what do those standing alone need?

On an autumn evening in Melbourne's southeast, the streetlights outside a shopping center had just come on. A woman stood at a traffic light, holding groceries she had just bought. She did not notice the vehicle approaching behind her, nor could she have foreseen what would happen in the next few seconds. According to police descriptions, a car pulled up beside her, several people dragged her, and her belongings were taken. This was the beginning of a series of alleged crimes on the evening of September 24, and most of the victims were women traveling alone.

Police say 21 alleged incidents involving robbery, armed robbery, aggravated burglary, fuel drive-offs, and other offenses occurred across Melbourne's southeast and bayside areas last week, with a group of teenagers believed responsible. The investigation points to two vehicles stolen from outside a gym in Glen Waverley—a white Haval and a black Honda Odyssey. Police allege these vehicles were used to target women traveling alone outside shopping centers and commercial streets.

Around 7:45 p.m. on September 24, a 64-year-old woman was allegedly dragged by multiple people at a traffic light outside Chadstone Shopping Centre, and her groceries were taken. Shortly afterward, another woman in the same area was allegedly struck in the face and her designer handbag was stolen. Around 8 p.m., a woman was allegedly pushed to the ground on Princes Highway in Clayton and her bag was taken. About ten minutes later, a woman leaving a hair salon in Highgate had her handbag stolen. Around 8:40 p.m., alleged offenders chased a male store attendant with a machete outside a convenience store in Black Rock before taking cash from the register. The attendant was not physically injured.

The day before, a 74-year-old woman had her bag stolen on Beach Road in Beaumaris. The following day, a 54-year-old Highgate woman had her bag taken while walking. Police say no charges have yet been laid over these robberies.

On Wednesday, investigators executed search warrants in Springvale and Greater Dandenong, arresting two 16-year-old boys and an 18-year-old man. The 18-year-old from Springvale was charged with three counts of aggravated burglary, three counts of motor vehicle theft, and other offenses, and was remanded in custody. One 16-year-old boy was charged with six theft-related offenses and released on bail. The other 16-year-old boy was charged with two counts of aggravated burglary, three counts of motor vehicle theft, and committing an indictable offense while on bail, and was remanded in custody.

Victoria Police say the investigation is ongoing. No further charges have been laid regarding the robberies on the evening of September 24 and before. Police are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.

The details of these events remain allegations rather than conclusions until court proceedings are complete. But on that September evening, for the women standing alone outside shopping centers, on the way home, or at the door of a hair salon, the sense of safety on city streets changed in a matter of moments. Police continue to investigate, and the community waits for more answers.

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Sources: Bunbury Mail, Victorian News, PerthNow, News24 Australia