Another fight breaks out at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre
Another bloody brawl at Fountain Gate shopping centre involving teens has left onlookers terrified and forced managers to close shops early due to safety concerns. Here’s how police are tackling the issue.
South East
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Police on horseback are patrolling outside Fountain Gate Shopping Centre following a spate of violent incidents — the latest a brawl on Friday night.
A 18-year-old man has been charged after a fight involving at least six people broke out about 7pm.
It’s alleged the teen stole alcohol from a store just before the violence flared.
Witness Rachael Webdale said up to 20 teens were involved.
The chef, who has worked at the centre for five years, said terrified onlookers witnessed the teens “punching and pushing” each other.
She said the fight started near Coles and then moved towards the toilets and was broken up by security near the restaurant precinct.
“It was terrifying to watch — they were running riot,’’ Ms Webdale said.
“One of the boys had a massive gash on his leg with blood dripping down like he had been cut with something sharp.
“There was another girl part of the group walking around telling shoppers she was going to smash them — it was so confronting.”
Ms Webdale said some traders and shoppers were left traumatised.
“We shut up shop early that night because my boss was too scared to leave us there,’’ she said.
“Another girl who works at a shop nearby was crying and customers eating at the restaurants were in a state of panic.
“When I spoke to security they told me they’ve banned these kids — but they kick them out one door and they come in through another.”
Fed-up traders and shoppers are demanding police be permanently based at the Narre Warren centre.
The Sunday Herald Sun has confirmed officers from the mounted branch have been conducting regular patrols at Fountain Gate in a bid to ward off trouble.
A photograph showed four officers on horseback roaming the centre’s bus terminal during the evening.
The Sunday Herald Sun has also witnessed daytime horseback patrols on the weekend.
Manic Fitness owner Dean Burnell said: “I’ve seen police on horses and I’ve also noticed the Public Order Response team.”
“It’s good to see,’’ he said.
“A police station inside or just outside the centre would definitely help.”
Shopper Vicky Methven agreed a police hub would make people feel safer.
Fountain Gate traders last month revealed they were helpless to deal with groups of up to a dozen teens storming their stores, stealing goods and running amok.
It’s understood centre management will hold a staff meeting next month to address safety concerns.
Westfield Fountain Gate centre manager Cathy Main said the team met regularly police, traders and other community groups to help provide “a safer and more enjoyable experience for our customers, retailers and employees.”
RELATED: TWO STABBED AT FOUNTAIN GATE
SHOPPERS CALL FOR BETTER SECURITY
Victoria Police commander Inspector Don Brown said there was no plan for a permanent hub at Fountain Gate but he was reviewing police numbers, levels of offending and times when officers were required.
“Police will not tolerate any criminal or anti-social behaviour at the Fountain Gate shopping centre and the community can expect to see an increased police presence in the area,” he said.
La Trobe federal MP Jason Wood said while increased patrols were helpful, it was a “bandaid fix”.
“The real issue here is the lack of jobs and training for these troubled youths … that’s what needs to be addressed,” he said.
The teen arrested over Friday’s brawl, who is from Cranbourne, was charged with affray and theft.
He was bailed to from Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on July 3.
Investigations remained ongoing.