16 charged in south-east sting

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By Mitchell Clarke

Sixteen males have been charged after Victoria Police executed a number of search warrants across the south-eastern suburbs.

The warrants were in relation to an alleged affray on 31 July where it’s believed a group of people entered a Footscray address with weapons and assaulted four occupants.

Two 15-year-old boys and an 18-year-old man from Pakenham were charged with offences including affray and violent disorder, while the latter was also charged with bail related offences.

An 18-year-old man from Berwick was charged while a 16-year-old man was charged from Clyde North.

The remaining offenders were from Cranbourne, Dandenong, Doveton and Hallam and ranged between 15-years-old to 18-years-old.

It’s believed a number of the alleged offenders were also sought by police in relation to a series of unrelated affrays and violent incidents in Hallam and Oakleigh on 9 August and Dandenong on 14 August.

Police from the North West Metro and Southern Metro Regional Crime Squads executed the warrants on Tuesday 20 August and seized a number of mobile phones in the process.

Detective Senior Sergeant Marnie Sheehy said it was “really concerning” to see so many young people facing court on such serious charges.

“Simply put – police will not tolerate those who break the law or engage in anti-social and violent behaviour that puts the safety of others at risk,” Det/S/Sgt Sheehy said.

“We can’t forget the impact violent crime has on the rest of the community, it causes an unacceptable level of harm and fear.”

The men were charged and have been bailed to appear at court at a later date.