Up to six men have smashed their way into a house in Brunswick West wielding knives and hammers the day before a violent 10-hour crime spree that spanned six suburbs on Halloween night.

Investigators have been told the group forced their way into a house on Yarrabin Street about 4.30am on Tuesday.

Images from CCTV cameras of the youths allegedly involved in the bashing of chefs from Donovans restaurant in St Kilda. Credit:Victoria Police

Once in the house, they confronted two victims and demanded money and jewellery before fleeing with stolen items, including a black Jeep Cherokee, police said.

The stolen car was found in Deer Park the following day.