Melbourne, Australia – 24 May 2025
Victoria Police are investigating a coordinated series of armed robberies that unfolded across Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs last Tuesday, with at least ten service stations targeted during a three-hour window.
The robberies occurred between 7.00pm and 10.30pm on 20 May, with locations hit in Braeside, Dandenong South, Cranbourne North, Narre Warren North, Ringwood, Blackburn, Clayton, Noble Park, and a second incident reported again in Cranbourne North.
According to police, groups of four to seven offenders—some armed with machetes—entered the stores and stole cash, cigarettes, personal items, and in one case, an entire cash register. No injuries were reported during the incidents, although staff and customers were left shaken.
Investigators believe the offenders used two vehicles during the spree: a stolen grey 2020 Kia Picanto hatchback bearing Queensland registration 298-DFS, and a 2007 Toyota Aurion sedan with Victorian registration 1BQ-1OF. The latter was stolen during one of the robberies and has since been recovered.
Police have not confirmed whether the same group was involved in all incidents but are treating them as linked. CCTV footage is being reviewed, and detectives are appealing to the public for assistance.
Anyone with information or relevant dashcam or CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au to make a confidential report.
