Alleged Youth Crime Ringleader Remanded in Custody Over Vehicle Theft and High-Speed Chase

Lucky Tambo, 18, from Manor Lakes in Melbourne’s south-west, faces multiple charges including dangerous speeding, vehicle theft, and burglary.

Police allege Tambo was involved in a break-in at Sunraysia Community Health Services in Mildura on the night of October 26, alongside four other youths aged between 13 and 18.

According to investigators, CCTV footage captured the group entering the premises around 10:30pm before searching through drawers and offices. Police allege Tambo used a hammer to force open a safe and steal five vehicle keys.

Authorities say security footage later showed each of the co-accused driving away in stolen vehicles. All five cars were subsequently recovered from various locations around Mildura.

A second incident involved the alleged theft of a 2021 MG HS wagon from a residential driveway in Belmont, near Geelong, on November 5.

Police further allege Tambo and four youths were involved in a high-speed pursuit along the Calder Highway, during which officers seized eight videos from mobile phones belonging to members of the group.

One video allegedly shows Tambo driving a stolen vehicle at speeds of 158km/h, while another reportedly shows a 17-year-old co-accused being pursued by police at speeds of up to 175km/h.

The court heard that the pursuit began after highway patrol officers detected a vehicle travelling at 146km/h near Culgoa, approximately 320 kilometres from Melbourne.

Prosecutors allege the teenage driver overtook trucks and drove on the wrong side of the road during efforts to evade police, causing several near collisions with oncoming traffic.

Police eventually deployed tyre deflation devices, commonly known as stop sticks, outside Ouyen, puncturing the vehicle’s tyres. The occupants allegedly fled into nearby paddocks before being arrested with assistance from the police air wing.

Some younger suspects linked to the investigation have been interviewed and released pending further inquiries, while others are yet to be located.

Leading Senior Constable Fleur Royds told the court that Tambo was allegedly the group’s leader.

“He was the eldest offender, he was the only adult, with children as young as 13, acting as a ringleader to them,” she said.

A magistrate described the allegations as “very serious” and ordered a youth justice assessment to determine whether supported bail might be appropriate.

Tambo is scheduled to return to court on November 20. His 17-year-old co-accused was granted bail under strict conditions and is due to face court on December 6.