Melbourne’s top ten crime riddled shopping centres revealed: Northland retains top spot
Northland has long been our most crime-prone mall, but shoplifting, fights and other crimes are fast escalating at another precinct in Melbourne’s southeast, a new list of the 10 most troublesome shows.
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Fountain Gate is gunning down Northland’s unwanted mantle as the most crime-ridden shopping centre in Melbourne.
Crime at that centre and also Southland has skyrocketed in the past five years according to data from Crime Statistics Agency Victoria.
Fountain Gate in Narre Warren recorded nearly two crimes a day — or 713 offences between April last year to March — while Southland came in with 458 offences.
Offences at or near Fountain Gate have increased every year, and more than doubled since 2014/15, when 352 crimes were reported.
A staggering 564 property and deception offences (which includes shoplifting) were recorded at Fountain Gate last year, and 83 assaults.
Over at Southland, 373 shoplifting and other property and deception offences were recorded.
And crimes against the person blew out from 12 to 62 in the last five years.
>> SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FULL LIST
Victoria Police recently ran an operation at both precincts to curb unruly behaviour such as fighting, vandalism and shoplifting.
Leader in May reported teen gangs were terrorising Fountain Gate shoppers, and drug-affected loafers were marring Ringwood’s Eastland.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said any rise in crime was a “concern”.
“Every person has the right to go about their day and feel safe,” the spokesperson said.
“Local police regularly patrol shopping complexes and surrounding areas, providing community reassurance with a focus on the prevention and detection of crime.
“Police maintain a strong partnership with shopping centre management, meeting regularly to address emerging issues and provide appropriate police response to ensure safety of the community.
“Our Proactive Policing Units also work closely with local business owners to address any security issues and implement crime prevention measures.”
Scentre Group which operates shopping centres under the Westfield banner also had Doncaster Shoppingtown (309) and Knox (284) in the top ten.
Scentre Group regional centre experience manager Charlie Rimmer said Westfield work closely with local authorities including police “as needed”.
“As social hubs and meetings points in their respective local communities driving significant customer visitation, our Westfield living centres strive to ensure all our customers feel welcome, comfortable and safe when visiting,” he said.
The Leader recently highlighted crime issues at several shopping centres including Highpoint but none came close to Northland.
The Preston precinct remains cemented as the most crime riddled shopping centrein Melbourne with a whopping 951 offences.
Crime at or near Northland has almost doubled since 2014/15 with almost three offences occurring at or near the centre every day.
As usual, property and deception offences lead with 759 but crimes against the person jumped from 43 in 2017-2018 to.
Northland trader Singy Vong said the centre could be quite “rowdy”.
“We’re located right near the food court and I reckon I’ve seen two or three fights (in the food court) in the last six months,” said.
“There is a bit of trouble here and you hear of things happening but we’re not fussed about it.”
Mr Vong, who owns apparel store Edition, said theft was probably his biggest issue.
“I’m not sure how the others (traders) feel but we can look after ourselves,” he said.
“I’ve caught a few shoplifters, you know, chased them out of the store but they apologise and give the stuff back so I leave it there.”
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Northland operator Vicinity Centres, which runs other top 10 precincts Bayside (509) and Chadstone (201), said the safety of shoppers, traders and the community was a “top priority”.
“We’re always evaluating our safety and security protocols and the statistics reflect our zero tolerance and proactive approach to reduce crime, with the support of Victoria Police,” Northland centre manager Andrew Drivas said.
“We work closely with the Northland Precinct Action Group which includes Darebin City Council and Victoria Police, and local youth groups to help disrupt anti-social behaviour.”
Mr Drivas said the centre has measures in place to curb crime including making CCTV available to police.
“We offer training to our retailer partners because we know they have a key role in making our centre safer,” he said.
“We regularly upgrade CCTV and lighting across our centre and the car park.”
The other shopping centres to make the top 10 are Eastland (506), Highpoint (476) and Craigieburn Central (181).
Worst shopping centres by crimes, 2018/19
Northland 951
Fountain Gate 713
Bayside 509
Ringwood 506
Highpoint 476
Southland 458
Shoppingtown 309
Knox 284
Chadstone 201
Craigieburn Central 181