By Aneeka Simonis
A MOTORIST was pulled from his car and robbed by three men who are suspected have then set fire to the car in Upper Beaconsfield.
Police believe the men stole a set of number plates and fixed it to the stolen gold 2010 Toyota Yaris soon after the Cheltenham carjacking at about 1.30pm on Monday 3 October.
The same men are thought to have stolen a commerical car in Lyndhust hours before the carjacking, using it in a fuel drive-off before dumping it in exchange for the Yaris.
Police said a white Toyota Hilux ute belonging to Metricon Builders was stolen from Dingley Village early on Monday morning.
Offenders drove the car to a petrol station on Dandenong-Hastings Road near Bayliss Road in Lyndhurst about 8am and refuelled the car before taking off.
Police believe it was driven to a shopping centre carpark on Nepean Highway in Cheltenham about 1.30pm.
Three men got out of the car, dumped it and approached a nearby vehicle.
One of the men, who had his face covered, pulled the male driver from his Yaris and stole his mobile phone.
All three men got into the Yaris and drove away, leaving the man shaken but uninjured.
It is believed the offenders stole a set of number plates nearby and continued driving.
The stolen plates have registration number 1CE 6TU.
Police discovered the car completely burnt out out in Upper Beaconsfield, more than 24 hours later.
The car was found on Red Hill Road near the Cardinia Reservoir entrance gate at about 10.20pm on Tuesday 4 October.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents, and are appealing for public assistance.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
