POLICE have charged seven youths over a car theft and three following burglaries.
Greater Dandenong CIU Acting Detective Sergeant Luke Kirton said the group stole a van in Doveton on 9 September and used it to carry out further crimes.
These included raids on milk bars in Hampton Park and Hallam and in Clow Street, Dandenong, where they stole $15,000 in stock.
Police were alerted to the group trying to steal another vehicle at Parkmore Shopping Centre in Keysborough on 12 September.
They had to call off a pursuit that ensued due to dangerous driving but identified a number of offenders.
They charged two youths from Endeavour Hills, aged 16 and 17, three from Doveton, aged 16, 17 and 17, a 20-year-old Dandenong man and an 18-year-old man from Doveton.
They’ll answer to theft, burglary, conduct endangering persons and other charges.