Islander gang linked to robberies

TWO incidents in which teenage boys had their mobile phones stolen by a group of Islander men are believed to be linked.
The first of the robberies, which occurred within half an hour of each other, took place around 9pm on Saturday 16 May after a 13-year-old from Keysborough left a house party in Dandenong North with a group of people he’d befriended that night.
The victim was walking with the five or so others along Gladstone Road when the group turned on him, demanding his phone and threatening violence.
The victim handed over his phone and fled the scene but was uninjured.
The second incident occurred around 9.30pm when a 16-year-old from Dandenong was confronted by five men who demanded his phone as he walked along Watson Street in Dandenong North.
The victim handed over his mobile but was punched in the face by one of the men.
The 16-year-old sustained minor injuries and fled the scene.
Police believe the incidents are linked, with both robberies understood to have involved five or six offenders who were Islander in appearance.