Highlights
- On two separate occasions, it is alleged that the teenage girls approached Indian men on Facebook Marketplace to buy their phones
- Victoria Police say the five online marketplace related incidents took place in between 21 and 23 July
- These girls have been charged on various counts
Victoria Police said it has charged three girls, aged 17, 15, and 14, for a series of alleged online marketplace thefts that took place between 21 and 23 July.
The incidents allegedly took place in the Dandenong, Keysborough, Dingley, Manor Lakes and Point Cook areas of Melbourne. SBS Hindi has learnt that in the Manor Lakes and Point Cook incidents members of the Indian community were the victims of the alleged crimes.
A police spokesperson said a 17-year-old girl was charged with 22 offences, including aggravated burglary, theft, possess prohibited weapon and threat to inflict serious injury.
"The charges relate to all the alleged incidents and she has been remanded to face a children's court at a later date," the spokesperson told SBS Hindi on Thursday.
Victoria Police charged a 14-year-old girl with nine offences, including theft of motor vehicle, threat to inflict serious injury and handle stolen goods.
Victoria Police has charged three girls, aged 17, 15, and 14, for a series of alleged online marketplace thefts in Melbourne. Source: Fabian Sommer/picture alliance via Getty Images
"The charges relate to all the alleged incidents and she has been bailed to face a children's court at a later date," the spokesperson said.
"A 15-year-old girl has been charged with four offences including theft and threat to inflict serious injury. The charges relate to the alleged incidents in Manor Lakes and Point Cook and she has been remanded to face a children's court at a later date," the spokesperson added.
