By Aneeka Simonis
A MAN was allegedly taken by knifepoint from an associate’s home in Pakenham and driven to a nearby ATM where he was forced to hand over cash to offenders.
Police alleged the victim was detained against his will for up to two hours by a trio of criminals known to him, but was eventually freed unharmed.
Police charged a 30-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman from Pakenham and a 20-year-old Hampton Park woman with armed robbery, false imprisonment and theft following two search warrants issued days after the Tuesday 25 October incident.
The 30-year-old male has been remanded to reppear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court in January next year.
His accused female co-offenders were bailed to also reappear in court in January.
It was alleged the 35-year-old male victim went to a home in Guest Road, Pakenham about 4am on Tuesday 25 October to visit an associate.
He was there for some time before the male and female alleged offenders arrived.
Police alleged the pair, who are known to the victim, produced a knife and made cash demands.
They drove him to an ATM on Main Street and forced him to withdraw money.
Police executed search warrants at a home in Pakenham and a home in Hampton Park and charged the trio on Friday 29 October after the victim reported the incident to his local police station in Oakleigh.
Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit Senior Constable Ben Robertson said it is not known if the alleged offenders and victim were involved in an argument before the robbery occurred.
He said the victim was allegedly falsely imprisoned for up to two hours before he was released unharmed in Pakenham.
Police did not arrest the associate at the Guest Road home, but said investigations were still ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
