Kids recruited into $2m cash, cigarette theft ring

Melbourne police say they have busted a major eastern suburbs crime ring involving ringleaders and their child minions who allegedly nabbed $2 million of cash and cigarettes this year.

Four adults who allegedly orchestrated a network of child offenders and onsold the smokes have been arrested and charged as well, after a string of raids Wednesday morning, which nabbed a trailer load of cigarettes, tobacco and vapes, designer handbags and shoes, weapons and $240,000 cash.

Eastern region Acting Inspector Dale Maxwell said more than 20 kids aged 12 to 17 were allegedly being told which service stations, supermarkets and tobacconists to rob in exchange for a couple of hundred dollars.

“As part of this investigation, police have identified a sophisticated network of child offenders carrying out serious and violent crimes on behalf of adults with known youth gang links,” he said.

“Children as young as 12 have allegedly been recruited by adults intent on lining their own pockets without getting their hands dirty.”

The network is allegedly responsible for 140 cigarette burglaries and armed robberies in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs this year.

A 19-year-old Burwood man and 19-year-old Ferntree Gully man were both arrested and expected to be charged with armed robbery, burglary, theft of motor vehicle and other charges.

Police will allege the two 19-year-old men provided children with stolen vehicles and specific locations to carry out the burglaries and steal cigarettes.

Police will allege these two men were the main orchestrators of the offending.

A 33-year-old Burwood man and a 53-year-old Silvan man were also both arrested and expected to be charged with handling stolen goods.

Police will allege these men were aware of the origins of the cigarettes and on-sold them for a profit.

“These adults are intentionally preying on youth to offend on their behalf in the misguided hope they won’t be linked to the offending while they profit substantially,” Acting Inspector Maxwell said.

As well as a large amount of tobacco, cigarettes and vapes, police seized more than 200 cannabis plants, a machete, a sword, imitation firearm, nunchakus, an extendible metal baton, knuckle dusters and a hunting knife.

“The results today show that police are committed to identifying and charging those directly responsible for the planning, co-ordination and execution of these crimes, not just those committing the offences in store.”

Police say cigarette burglaries across Melbourne have risen this, and more than 80 per cent of people arrested in connection to the incidents are under 18.