Five arrested after Uber driver threatened with axe during overnight crime spree

Staff writerThe West Australian
VideoFive people were arrested over a crime spree targeting almost a dozen businesses from Joondalup to Safety Bay on Sunday night

Five teenagers have been charged with 103 offences after an overnight crime spree that saw more than ten businesses broken into across Perth — and an Uber driver threatened with an axe.

Police say the spree started late yesterday afternoon, after the teens stole a black Kia Optima in Joondalup, before breaking into a camping store in Innaloo, where they stole an axe used in the rest of the break-ins.

It’s alleged the teens then drove to Cottesloe, where they smashed their way into popular Beaches Cafe, Napoleon Newsagent and Nature’s Harvest health food store.

Camera IconBeaches Cafe in Cottesloe was targeted in the crime spree. Credit: 7NEWS
Camera IconBarco Cafe in Cottesloe was targeted in the crime spree. Credit: 7NEWS
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Police say the group of boys then drove to Beaconsfield where they threatened an Uber driver with the axe on Hampton Street, before heading to Safety Bay.

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It’s alleged the teens then used the axe to break into Cafe Barco, Bayside Pizzas, the Bent Fish and Chips shop, Blank Canvas Hair Design and Bayside Fish Shack around 10.30pm, before heading to Cross Roads Cafe in Shoalwater — where police say they abandoned the car.

Camera IconThe car allegedly used in the crime spree. Credit: 7NEWS
Camera IconOne of the businesses targeted in the crime spree. Credit: 7NEWS

A 17-year-old from Kenwick, a 17-year-old from Spearwood, a 16-year-old from Armadale, a 16-year-old from Beckenham and a 16-year-old from North Perth have been charged with aggravated burglary, stealing, steal motor vehicle and criminal damage.

They have been refused bail and are in custody and will appear in court at a later date.

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