LILYDALE Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) has made a series of arrests following an armed robbery in Mahony Street Upwey around 2am on 4 September, when six men in a car confronted three pedestrians walking along the street.
The men demanded the pedestrians hand over money and cigarettes.
One of the three victims was pushed over and hit his head on a pole. Another was confronted 20 metres away by a man with a box cutter. He demanded the victim hand over his wallet, which contained cash and personal items.
The third victim managed to escape. The six offenders got back in their car and drove away.
Detectives from Lilydale CIU executed two search warrants on Wednesday for addresses in Upwey and Selby, making four arrests.
An 18-year-old Yarram man was charged with armed robbery. Three other men – two 19-year-olds from Upwey and a 20-year-old from Selby – were charged with attempted robbery and causing an affray. Police also charged the Selby man with recklessly causing serious injury.
The police made two further arrests on 9 September. A 19-year-old Upwey man was charged with robbery while another man was exonerated.
The man charged with armed robbery was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 13 September.
The others have been bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 22 October.
Footy fans hailed
EMERALD police have commended footy fans for their behaviour at local second division grand finals on the weekend.
Sergeant Steve Eckhardt said he hoped it was a sign of things to come.
“It’d be great if it could continue this weekend,” he said.
