Wyndham police are setting out to engage with local schools in a bid to curb antisocial behaviour at a Point Cook shopping centre.
The move comes following an incident at Point Cook town centre last Tuesday when a violent brawl erupted between a gang of youths aged 14 to 17. Four teens have since been arrested.
Police said another fight had been planned for Wednesday, but they were made aware of it and prevented it.
Star Weekly last year spoke to traders who said they were fed up with gangs of youths frequenting the centre. Most traders told of taunting, verbal abuse and theft from their stores.
Wyndham police’s Inspector Martin Allison said police had a zero tolerance approach to such behaviour and would continue to patrol the centre regularly.
He said police would also seek to stop the issue at its root by engaging with principals at local schools, community groups, and organisations such as the Maori Wardens.
A spokesman for Stockland, owner of the shopping centre, said the company was aware of recent incidents involving antisocial behaviour at the centre.
“We maintain a zero tolerance approach to any antisocial or illegal behaviours, with offenders banned from the centre,” he said.
“We would like to assure customers and retail staff that we’re continuing to work closely with Victoria Police and school principals to identify individuals who were involved in the incident to ensure appropriate action is taken.
“We’re also working with school principals and leaders in the local community to promote and maintain a safe and friendly town centre.”
Data from the Crime Statistics Agency reveals the number of public order and security offences at the centre have increased significantly. In the year to September 30, 2015, just one offence was recorded; in the same period the following year, the number rose to 17. Property and deception offences were up from 85 to 122, while crimes against the person declined from 20 to 11.
