Police swoop as gang refuels

By ANEEKA SIMONIS

Three men are due to face court and two of their companions are on the run after they were apprehend by police as they filled their car at a petrol station.
The group had earlier been reported to police after they allegedly stole items from Pakenham’s JB Hi-Fi and Officeworks.
At 2.55pm on Friday 2 October, police were alerted to a group of approximately five boys aged in their late teens who were allegedly stealing goods at the shopping precinct opposite the station on the Princes Highway.
Senior Sergeant Nathan Prowd said the boys allegedly stole a number of high-grade GoPro cameras from JB Hi-Fi before moving onto Officeworks where they are believed to have stolen approximately 25 pens valued at $100 each.
Sen Sgt Prowd said police were alerted to the incident following detailed reports from Officeworks staff.
Minutes after the report was made, police spotted the offending group pull into the service station next to the police station where they were attempting to fuel their car.
Police attempted to apprehend the boys and arrested the driver on the spot.
However, the young man’s companions made a run for it during which a further two were caught by police.
Police are still on the lookout for at least two more men who managed to get away on foot.
The car was searched at the petrol station and almost $7500 of stolen goods including alcohol, groceries and spray cans were found.
The three Seaford men charged are between 18 and 19 years of age.
They are expected to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court.
Anyone with information about the other men are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.