Shopping centres: police plan increased presence as shoppers express fears

Manningham’s top cop has vowed to step up security at one of Melbourne’s biggest shopping centres after several worrying incidents, including the robbery of three teens in a food court. And it’s just part of a bigger safety plan for the area.

Manningham's new Inspector Craig Pearson.

Shoppers at Westfield Doncaster and other Manningham shopping centres will see a bigger police presence in the wake of several incidents, including one involving a knife.

With Manningham getting an extra 10 officers, senior police promise more patrols at the centre.

They will also offer security tips to centre management as plans progress for the centre’s $500 million expansion such as position of security lighting and CCTV, as well as traffic management issues.

Inspector Craig Pearson, who started his role in February, said police were “working with security and management of shopping centres”.

“We’ve established a new tasking model for Manningham which will include locations like Westfield,” he said.

“At Westfield you will see a greater presence and at other shopping centres like Tunstall Square, Jackson Court and The Pines.”

Last week Manningham Leader reported three teens were lucky to escape unharmed when they were confronted by a group of older youths who threatened them with a knife before making off with $20.

Police will offer security advice to Westfield Doncaster management ahead of its $500 million upgrade. Picture Ellen Smith

Users of Facebook page Manningham Community Hub have also spoken of their growing concerns with security after a poster claimed two groups of youths faced off in the food court on June 15.

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Nicole Sophia said: “After dropping their food and drinks on the ground, they start shouting at some group. These guys had bandannas covering their faces.”

In reply, Rachel Pettit wrote that someone had tried to “smart mouth” her at a bus stop, while Domenica Distefano she has seen “hoodlums hanging around even close to the entrance”.

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