Mini crime spree in Cowes

Police said a group of young offenders used the cover of Schoolies celebrations to launch a mini crime spree in Cowes on the weekend.

Senior Sergeant Andy O’Brien from Cowes Police said charges were laid against five males aged between 16 and 22 from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

The charges related to a series of property offences around the Teddy Bear Lane area in Cowes, including burglary, attempted burglary and theft from a car.

The youths were also charged with refusing to pay a cab fare and threatening to assault the cab driver.

“The address where the group were staying was identified as a location of interest, due to it’s proximity to the offences and calls received from the public,” Snr Sergeant O’Brien said.

“When police attended the recent burglary attempt, they requested support from the canine unit. The search dog tracked from that premises to the address in Teddy Bear Lane.”

Arriving at the address, police arrested the five youths for burglary and drug possession. Some were wanted on other matters from Melbourne.

The majority of the stolen goods were recovered at the address, including alcohol and surfboards.

The young men were then bailed or released on summons.

Unfortunately that wasn’t the end of the matter.

“Later in the night on the foreshore, two of the youths were involved in an incident with a fake pistol,” Snr Sergeant O’Brien said.

“One was initially seen with what was believed to be a pistol, but he had managed to dispose of it. His friend was later located with the plastic pistol, a quantity of drugs and a set of knuckle busters.”

The 15-year-old was charged and released into the custody of his mother.

Snr Sergeant O’Brien commended the work of the local police.

“It was a well-planned, coordinated response to stop what was a mini crime spree,” he said.

“This group is indicative of the type of people who inject themselves into the Schoolies situation and exacerbate the issues.”

He said the youngsters were clearly not being supervised and as frustrating as it was to have them re-offend after being charged, he said “people do have rights under the law and certain freedoms”.

“People are released on bail or summons for far more serious crimes.”

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