Carjacking culprits caught by detectives

Yarra Ranges detectives have charged a male in relation to multiple carkjacking attempts in the local area. Picture: ON FILE.

Yarra Ranges CIU detectives have arrested two people in relation to attempted carjackings in Lilydale and Chirnside Park.

The first incident occurred on Friday 6 May near Coates Hire on Maroondah Highway, Lilydale at about 6pm.

It is alleged a male entered the 2021 Volkswagen and tried to push the female driver out of the vehicle. The male was unsuccessful and ran off west along Maroondah Highway.

The second incident happened on Monday 9 May, at about 8.55am at Chirnside Park Shopping Centre, with a male entering the victim’s vehicle being a 2015 Subaru Outback and allegedly demanding the victim’s personal property before threatening the victim and stealing his vehicle.

Extensive investigations were undertaken, leading to a 27-year-old Beaconsfield man being arrested in Stintons Road, Park Orchards on Wednesday 11 May in a stolen Nissan Tiida.

A 25-year-old female was also arrested in relation to that stolen vehicle.

The male has been charged with multiple offences and with will fronted the Ringwood Magistrates Court later that afternoon.

The female was release pending further investigations.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have dash cam footage or witnessed the offences on the 6 and May to contact the Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit on 9739 2300.