Three arrested after Essendon players' cars stolen after home invasion
Three teenage boys have been charged in relation to an alleged car theft and home invasion at a house occupied by four young Essendon Football Club players.
The Bombers had their cars stolen after a group of youths broke into the Maribyrnong house early on Friday morning and allegedly stole wallets and keys before driving off in four cars, police said.
The players inside the house were rising stars Shaun McKernan, Jayden Laverde, Connor McKenna and James Ferry, Essendon Football Club confirmed in a statement.
Essendon ruckman Shaun McKernan has been identified as one of the victims of the home invasion. Source: AAP
The victims were asleep at the time of the robbery, but one was woken by the commotion outside.
He told police he gave chase when he heard the thieves crash the stolen Volkswagen.
The driver allegedly fled into another car before getting away. The Volkswagen was found nearby on Duffy Street, police said.
The alleged offenders arrived at the victims' home in a stolen blue Toyota Camry, which was found dumped on Como Parade, Maribyrnong later on Friday.
A silver Commodore and black Commodore, which were also allegedly stolen from the home, were both located on Sunday on Macquarie Road, Wyndham Vale and Clement Street, Melton South respectively.
A stolen silver Mazda remains outstanding.
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Budding Essendon forward Jayden Laverde was reportedly inside the home when the thieves broken in. Source: AAP
General Manager of AFL football Rob Kerr said all four players had been offered the counseling.
“This was obviously quite a frightening experience for the players involved,” Kerr said.
“We are extremely thankful the players were not harmed, and we have offered them the appropriate avenues of support."
Two 15-year-olds boys and a 16-year-old boy were arrested yesterday in Wyndham Vale and charged with the theft of the silver Commodore.
They were remanded in custody to face a Children's Court today.
The investigation into the aggravated burglary remains ongoing.
The offenders of the burglary have been described to police as male, with one possibly having a dark complexion.
The news comes just months after Hawthorn defender Brendan Whitecross had his luxury Porsche Cayenne stolen from his Melbourne home before it was used in a wild police chase.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
