Children allegedly recruited to steal millions of dollars in cigarettes

Police arrested four men allegedly responsible for coordinating children aged from 12 to 17 years old to carry out more than 140 burglaries and armed robberies across Melbourne starting in January 2024.

A pair of 19-year-old men allegedly recruited more than 20 kids, provided them with stolen vehicles and directed them to steal from stores in Burwood, Clayton, Camberwell, Doncaster East and Hawthorn among others.

The two 19-year-olds, who have known youth gang links, would pay the children "a couple of hundred dollars cash in return for the stolen cigarettes", police said.

Acting inspector Dale Maxwell said police would go beyond arresting youth offenders to find the adults responsible for orchestrating the alleged thefts.

"Children as young as 12 have allegedly been recruited by adults' intent on lining their own pockets without getting their hands dirty," he said.

"These adults are intentionally preying on youth to offend on their behalf in the misguided hope they won't be linked to the offending while they profit substantially."

Investigators also arrested two cigarette shop owners, a 33-year-old man and a 53-year-old man, for allegedly on-selling the stolen goods in their Silvan, Burwood, and Cremorne stores.

Police have already arrested 38 people over the 140 burglaries allegedly organised by the four men since January.

Of the 38 people arrested, police said 37 were under the age of 18 years. More than 270 charges were laid against the alleged thieves.

Investigators said police intelligence indicated "more than 40 per cent of child offenders arrested in connection to cigarette burglaries were already known to police as part of Operation Trinity, due to their involvement in committing aggravated burglaries and car thefts".

During 16 search warrants on May 29 police seized $243,000 in cash, more than 200 cannabis plants, a "significant amount" of cigarettes, tobacco and vapes and suspected stolen luxury bags and shoes.

A range of weapons was also seized including a machete, sword, imitation firearm, nunchucks, extendable metal baton, knuckle dusters and a hunting knife.

Both 19-year-olds were arrested and commenced court proceedings at the Melbourne Magistrate's Court on May 30.

One of the men, from Burwood, was charged with armed robbery, aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle, possess drug of dependence and other charges.

The other man, from Ferntree Gully, was charged with home invasion, assault with a weapon, common law assault, unlawful assault, criminal damage and entering a private place without excuse.

The 33-year-old Burwood man and a 53-year-old Silvan man were also both arrested and were released pending summons.

Victoria Police said investigators will allege the two older men were aware of the origins of the cigarettes and on sold them for a profit.