A 13-year-old girl has been charged with more than 50 offences following an alleged spree of antisemitic incidents and dangerous driving involving stolen vehicles across Melbourne’s south-east.
Investigators from the Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit allege the Bayside teenager was part of a group responsible for a series of incidents across suburbs including Hampton, Elsternwick, Ripponlea and Caulfield in late March.
Police will allege a black Hyundai sedan, stolen from a gym car park in Caulfield, was used in multiple offences in which occupants targeted members of the Jewish community. It’s claimed offensive antisemitic remarks were shouted from the vehicle, while eggs were thrown at pedestrians in a number of separate incidents.
One of the most alarming incidents allegedly occurred at the intersection of Hotham Street and Glen Eira Road in Ripponlea, where the vehicle is said to have swerved towards a group of Jewish people crossing the road. The group managed to avoid being struck, and no injuries were reported, but the incident has been described by police as deeply concerning.
Detectives further allege the same vehicle was involved in a hit-run collision in Brighton, along with multiple instances of erratic and dangerous driving across nearby suburbs. Authorities believe the offending took place over several days and involved a pattern of escalating behaviour.
The teenager was arrested earlier this week and has since been charged with 52 offences, including conduct endangering life, criminal damage, theft of motor vehicle and offences linked to prejudicially motivated conduct. She was remanded in custody and is expected to appear before a children’s court at a later date.
Police say investigations remain ongoing, with inquiries continuing into the involvement of other alleged offenders connected to the incidents.
The case comes amid growing concern about antisemitic behaviour in Victoria, particularly in Melbourne suburbs with significant Jewish communities. Community leaders and authorities have repeatedly condemned such incidents, warning of the broader impact on community safety and cohesion.
Victoria Police has urged anyone with information or footage relating to the incidents to come forward as detectives continue to piece together the full extent of the alleged offending.
Image: Victoria Police
