By Luke Voogt
Geelong detectives have arrested four Melbourne teenagers following an armed robbery at a Lara service station last week.
Just before 1.40am last Tuesday the four teenagers allegedly smashed their way into the store before stealing cash and cigarettes, police said.
Police believe a fifth offender remained in a waiting vehicle, a silver Mercedes-Benz allegedly stolen during an aggravated burglary in Balwyn North on 22 July.
On Thursday morning Geelong Crime Investigation Unit detectives executed search warrants at addresses in Brookfield, Wyndham Vale, Mill Park and Epping.
They arrested a 16-year-old Brookfield boy, 16-year-old Wyndham Vale boy, 17-year-old Mill Park boy and a 17-year-old Epping boy during the operation.
Detectives were also investigating whether the armed robbery was linked to an aggravated burglary in Fairview Avenue, Camberwell on 25 July.
The teens remained in custody and were assisting police with their enquiries into all three incidents on Thursday morning.
Police urged anyone with information regarding any of the incidents to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
