Youths raid Officeworks in South Yarra, stealing headphones and speakers

Cassie Zervos and Bridget Davies,
November 8, 2016
Herald Sun
A GANG of teens that stor­med four Officeworks stores and stole Dr Dre headphones are on the run from police.
The gang of up to 15 youths of African appearance committed four merchandise grab raids within three hours, cheering and waving the stolen goods above their heads as they calmly left each store.
A witness said the group was very confident in committing one brazen robbery.
“One did a little jig in front of me,” Chris said.
“They were happily ransacking the shelves.”
CCTV footage obtained by 7 News of youths allegedly involved in the Office Works robberies around Melbourne suburbs.
He saw how the gang arrogantly stormed inside the store on Saturday afternoon, walked through the aisles, and grabbed headphones and speakers.
The store’s security alarm sounded as the group left with their loot.
Once outside, Chris said the group was cheering in the carpark and held the items they’d stolen above their heads in celebration.
Police were trawling CCTV last night and vowed to throw the full force of the law at the rampaging gang.
Inspector David Griffin warned of more attacks focus­ed on items such as the $400 Dr Dre headphones.
“Make sure your CCTV is up and working and it’s targeted where it needs to be and of good quality,” he said.
“It can be quite confronting for those involved and for those people who have witnessed this behaviour.
“It’s certainly a message to Officeworks stores and other retail stores that stock this equipment, especially Beats headphones, that they might like to tighten their security.”
Around 15 youths of African appearance marched into Officeworks in South Yarra and stole products including headphones and speakers. Picture: Stock image
Insp Griffin urged the public not to approach a person or group of people involved in this activity.
“Stay safe, look and try to record what they’ve done and be prepared to give that information to police,” he said.
Police were checking Metro’s CCTV, as they feel the teens, mostly male, were catching trains bet­ween the robberies.
“There is no suggestion of any organised crime,” Insp Griffin said. “We’re looking at it being youth crime related.”
Where the four brazen Officeworks raids took place.
Police said the gang appeared to be fearless about being caught, walking from the scene of each crime and not wearing anything to conceal their identities.
Officeworks last night said it was beefing up security at each of its stores.