ON MONDAY June 30, police apprehended a 15-year-old male driver in Leongatha’s Boags Road, accused of stealing a Toyota Prius from an Inverloch address the previous night and committing multiple fuel theft offences at various petrol stations in the Latrobe and Bass Coast areas.
It is also alleged the Prius was used to ram a stationary police vehicle.
“At approximately 12 noon on Monday the 30th of June, police observed the same stolen vehicle driving in an erratic manner in and around the township of Leongatha,” police stated on the Eyewatch - Bass Coast Police Service Area Facebook page.
After police immobilised the vehicle, the 15-year-old from South Gippsland and two young female passengers were arrested at the scene and transported to Wonthaggi Police Station for questioning.
“The 15-year-old male was successfully remanded in custody and fronted the Magistrate where he was further remanded until a later date,” police reported.
Police units from South Gippsland, Wonthaggi and Bass Coast CIU were all involved in a coordinated effort.
Some of those commenting on the Facebook post thanked the police, with people surprised but pleased the alleged driver was denied bail.
“Such an outcome would not have been possible without the assistance of community members; as a result, police were able to reduce further risk to public safety and property,” the police stated.
