Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre: Teen attacked by gang
The mother of a boy who was bashed by a gang while shopping in Cranbourne says the area no longer feels safe.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A 17-year-old Cranbourne boy has been cleared of serious rib and lung damage after he was brutally assaulted at Cranbourne Park shopping centre.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said police had been told the boy was outside a make-up stand at the centre on High St about 6pm Monday, November 29, when he was approached by a group of unknown males who kicked and assaulted him.
The spokeswoman said the perpetrators of the unprovoked assault were a group of unknown males of African appearance aged between 15-20.
According to police the gang members were all wearing black masks, Kathmandu puffer jackets, black pants and black sneakers.
Speaking exclusively to Leader Krystal Fielden, the victim’s mother, said that Cranbourne has become “overrun by crime” and that the community is getting let down by light court sentences.
“When incidents like this happen, parents feel like it’s not safe to allow their teens to be in areas like shops, parks and other public spaces, for fear that they will be hurt,” Ms Fielden said.
Ms Fielden, who grew up in Cranbourne, said she spent hours as a teenager “hanging out” at shops and never felt afraid.
“Not anymore. Now it’s just get in and get out,” she said.
Ms Fielden said she felt let down by the court system, which she said regularly grants bail to repeat offenders.
“They walk away with fines that they never intend to pay and are never held accountable for their actions. They thrive on the fear they create and it makes them feel powerful,” she said.
In a Facebook post published on Monday Ms Fielden appealed for help from members of the public and anyone who witnessed the crime.
She said the attack happened “between Pandora and the rooftop escalator.”
“Nothing was stolen from my boy, it appears to have been done just for the hell of it,” she said.
The assault has sparked fears that south east shopping centres may be returning to their gang-plagued past.
Last year, one teen held up a youth outside Narre Warren Fountain Gate with a knife.
In June last year a man with a serious heart problem and a disability was hospitalised after being violently assaulted at Cranbourne Park.
Police have urged witnesses and anyone with information to come forward or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
