A 13-year-old boy’s phone stolen at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre by five men armed with knives and taser on Anzac Day

A TEENAGE boy was terrifyingly robbed by a gang armed with hunting knives and a taser at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre on Anzac Day.

A TEENAGE boy was terrifyingly robbed by a gang armed with hunting knives and a taser at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre on Anzac Day.

The 13-year-old was waiting at the bus stop on Overland Dr about 3.30pm on April 25 when he was approached by up to five men.

They tried to isolate him and threatened to push him in front of a bus if he didn’t come with them to a quieter spot.

Casey Crime Investigation Unit Senior Constable Alison Johnson said they surrounded the boy and demanded his mobile phone and cash, with two of the thugs brandishing what looked like hunting knives.

“One then threatened to taser him because he was taking too long to hand over his phone,” she said.

Eventually the boy gave them his phone, but the bandits threw it back at him before running off.

The boy wasn’t injured in the attack.

Crime at shopping precincts shapes as a hot topic in November’s state election with both major parties committing additional resources to combat offending at major centres.

The Opposition has pledged $7.2 million to put police officers in 12 of Victoria’s biggest shopping centres, one of which is Fountain Gate, while Labor plans to staff centres with armed PSOs.

Liberal candidate for Narre Warren North, Vikki Fitzgerald said families need to feel safe shopping at their local centres.

“Having a strong police presence and engaging with the community will go a long way to ensure this,” she said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au