Early Morning Reign of Terror in Melbourne's East
A violent gang armed with machetes has been captured on CCTV terrorising families during a terrifying early-morning crime spree across Melbourne's affluent eastern suburbs. Police have arrested two suspects following the 20-minute rampage that left multiple households traumatised.
The terrifying ordeal began at 1:55am on Saturday when three male intruders stormed into a Camberwell home where 21-year-old Aaron was in the kitchen with his mother. According to police reports, the masked assailants demanded car keys while sweeping items from kitchen counters onto the floor.
Brave Son Confronts Armed Intruders
"They asked where the keys were to the house and used one arm to sweep a lot of the stuff off the kitchen counter onto the floor," Aaron told 7NEWS. The intruders allegedly demanded keys to a Mercedes parked in the driveway before the quick-thinking son chased them out.
In a moment of bravery, Aaron grabbed a knife and threatened the trio, shouting he would "cut you with this f****** knife." He later explained: "Just to scare them away. I was just trying to protect my family."
The attackers initially fled empty-handed but returned moments later to smash a window and damage the front door by throwing a scooter in a failed attempt to regain entry. Fortunately, neither Aaron nor his mother sustained injuries during the frightening confrontation.
Rapid Crime Spree Across Multiple Suburbs
Just ten minutes later, the same trio allegedly attempted to break into a Mont Albert home. CCTV footage captured the hooded gang lurking around the property armed with machetes. The masked offenders attempted to force entry through both the front door and a bedroom window before occupants inside shouted out, causing them to flee in a waiting vehicle.
The quick-moving gang then jumped a fence and allegedly broke into a third home in nearby Surrey Hills while a family of five slept inside. The commotion woke a 17-year-old girl who alerted her parents, but not before the thieves allegedly stole two sets of car keys and drove off in a Mercedes B-Class and a Mazda CX-3.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Victoria Police traced one of the stolen vehicles to a Narre Warren property later on Saturday. Investigators executed a warrant at the address, resulting in the arrest of a 25-year-old Narre Warren man and a 17-year-old boy, both from the local Casey area.
The 25-year-old man was charged with theft of a motor vehicle and bailed to appear at Dandenong Court on April 30. The teenage suspect was released pending further enquiries as police continue their investigation to locate and identify the third alleged offender.
Melbourne's Growing Knife Crime Crisis
These disturbing incidents occur as Melbourne confronts a significant crime wave involving knives and machetes. In a stark revelation, Victoria Police announced this month they have seized a record 15,010 edged weapons from criminals this year - the highest number since records began.
This equates to an average of 47 knives, machetes and zombie knives removed from streets daily in 2025, surpassing last year's record of 14,808 weapons seized.
The crisis has prompted Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan to announce a crackdown on youth violent crime under her "Adult Time for Adult Crime" policy. The measures will see children who commit serious offences tried as adults and facing longer jail sentences.
Police are also targeting known youth gang members through Operation Alliance, focusing on those most likely to carry weapons in public. Chief Commissioner Mike Bush stated: "I am acutely aware of how much concern knife crime generates in the Victorian community. The simple fact is knife crime leads to nothing but immense harm and significant trauma."
