By Alesha Capone and Erin Pearson, The Age
Two teenage boys were allegedly assaulted and robbed by a group of up to 20 youths at a Wyndham Vale bus stop on Sunday.
A 14-year-old boy and his 17-year-old friend were both allegedly attacked about 7.15pm, in separate incidents which occurred within a short timeframe, near the Wyndham Vale railway station.
The 14-year-old’s phone, airpods and gold necklace were allegedly stolen by one of the youths.
Both of the boys sustained minor injuries during the incident.
Victoria Police Transit Inspector Andrew Gustke said that before they were attacked, the boys boarded a bus at the Pacific Werribee (Werribee Plaza) shopping centre.
Inspector Gustke said that the bus travelled on Manor Lakes. He said police have “a strong suspicion” that some of the alleged offenders boarded the bus there, before it travelled to the Wyndham Vale train station.
The father of one of the boys, Anthony Ferrari, told radio station 3AW that PSOs did not intervene when his son was being attacked by 20 to 30 youths at Wyndham Vale train station.
Mr Ferrari claimed the two PSOs patrolling the train station told him there was little they could do but call police.
“When I spoke to them [the PSOs] on the phone they said, ‘You have to understand there was only two of us and 20 or so of them’,” he told 3AW.
But Inspector Gustke said that a member of the public alerted Protective Services Officers (PSOs), who were patrolling at Wyndham Vale railway station, to report the first alleged robbery and assault.
He said the PSOs went to the bus terminal, where they were approached by the first victim.
“Whilst talking to the first victim, it’s our understanding that the second robbery was taking place,” Inspector Gustke said.
“That was happening 20 to 30 metres away from where they (the PSOs) were – they have not witnessed that, they have not been aware of that until there was a lot of yelling going on.”
He said at that stage, the PSOs turned their attention to a larger group of youths, who split into small groups and ran from the area.
The PSOs, who stayed with the victims, called for back-up. They provided descriptions of the offenders for police, who conducted patrols of the surrounding area.
Inspector Gustke said that there was a “very short” length of time between the first and second attacks on the two boys.
“The PSOs have done a fantastic job,” he said.
“They have done exactly what they should do.”
Transit Crime Investigation Unit detectives have taken statements from the victims and are reviewing CCTV footage as part of their investigation.
Inspector Gustke described the alleged robberies and assaults as “appalling behaviour”.
One of the offenders is perceived to be African in appearance, aged between 14-16 years old, with a slim build and about 160cm tall.
He was wearing a blue and red striped top, blue denim shorts, gold-coloured shoes and a diamond stud in his left ear.
Another one of the offenders is perceived to be African in appearance and was wearing a long black t-shirt.
Inspector Gustke said police were keen to speak with members of the public who were at the Wyndham Vale train station yesterday evening, around 7.15pm, to come forward.
He said police were also hoping to speak with anyone who took bus route 166, from Pacific Werribee, around 7pm.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
