Teen gangs are terrorising shopkeepers and hurting trade at a Point Cook shopping centre, according to traders.
Traders at Point Cook Town Centre say groups of teenagers, aged between about 13 and 18, taunt and verbally abuse shopkeepers and often steal from their shops. Star Weekly surveyed several stores at the centre, with most of those surveyed admitting there was an issue.
John, the manager of a streetwear store, described the situation as “pretty bad”.
“They come in, make a mess and steal,” he said. “When I tell them to get out, they just torment and abuse me.
“When I call security, they can’t exactly drag them out so they just keep coming back.”
John said he had reported the issue to centre management on a number of occasions.
Darren, who owns a clothing store for men, said the youths showed no respect.
“I’ve heard stories of these groups just snatching mobile phones at tables in the food court,” he said. “They come into my store and try to steal – what can we do? We have young families with children around, but they just don’t care. They walk over everybody.
“Security has their hands tied – and by the time police get here, they’ve left.”
Centre manager Frank Pizi said management maintained a zero tolerance approach to any anti-social or illegal behaviour, with repeat offenders being banned from the centre.
“If any customers see anti-social behaviour we would encourage them to immediately alert our on-site security or centre management team. We have dedicated security staff on-site at all times,” he said.
Wyndham police inspector Frank Sells said that while he was not aware of any specific gang activity at the centre, if traders were concerned about the behaviour of individuals or groups, he wanted to hear from them so police could provide appropriate advice or response.
“The behaviours mentioned are totally unacceptable … I’m keen to understand the extent of the issue,” he said. “Security on site at the shopping centre are the first layer of safety. However, a police response may be required in circumstances of offending or resolution of an incident beyond the scope of security.”
