‘Reds’ gang of teens linked to shopping centre crime spree

WANNABE gangsters who have been dressing in red and allegedly menacing residents in Melbourne’s southeast have been linked to a spate of store thefts and violent attacks.

Four people seriously hurt in knife attacks in Vienna Endeavour Hills traders have accused the teens of ‘terrorising’ customers and stealing from shops.

WANNABE gangsters who dress in red and have allegedly been menacing residents in Melbourne’s southeast have been linked to a spate of store thefts and violent attacks.

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The “Reds” group — made up of teenagers — has prompted police to ramp up patrols around Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre and surrounding areas.

The youths — who brazenly boast about their frightening antics online — hide their identities with red bandannas, hooded jumpers and hats.

Endeavour Hills traders toldthe Sunday Herald Sun the teens were “terrorising” customers and stealing from shops.

Brothers Meats and Poultry owner Amrif Rustemovski said he was “disgusted” at the group’s behaviour and had seen them wreaking havoc on several occasions.

“I saw one of them spit on a customer at the front of my shop last week and I was horrified,” Mr Rustemovski said.

“They think they’re full-on gangsters and parade around the centre wearing red and play loud music through a big speaker,” he said.

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Endeavour Hills traders have accused the teens of ‘terrorising’ customers and stealing from shops.

Mr Rustemovski said the centre needed to increase security patrols.

“There’s only one security guard for the whole centre and it’s not good enough because the traders and customers are feeling unsafe,” he said.

Catherine said on Facebook group Casey Crime Page: “Those little sh--s in red are often at Endeavour Hills … I’ve seen them in The Reject Shop pinching stuff.”

Centre manager Leigh Regan said: “While we have had instances of our security escorting members from the centre, we continue to work with police, as the safety and security of our customers and staff remains our top priority.”

Casey police Detective Acting Sgt Matt McCormack said police had conducted an investigation in relation to an aggravated burglary involving youths wearing red bandannas at Rossiter Ave, Endeavour Hills on January 10.

“Three alleged offenders aged 15, 16 and 17, were arrested and interviewed on January 17 in relation to a series of offences,” Acting Sgt McMcormack said.

The youths have been accused of stealing items from The Reject Shop in Endeavour Hills.

He said the teens were bailed to appear at a children’s court on March 23.

“Police have proactively been patrolling Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre and surrounding areas to target hotpots — where these groups are known to frequent,” he said.

The Sunday Herald Sun was told police were still investigating an incident in Endeavour Hills on New Year’s Eve, where a man was bashed, robbed and left lying semiconscious on a pavement.

The 20-year-old man, of Endeavour Hills, was walking home through Sydney Parkinson Reserve at 10pm, when he was approached by a group of four to six teenagers of Pacific Islander appearance wearing red shirts and bandannas.

The victim was hit in the face and pushed to the ground before the group fled, stealing his mobile phone and wallet.

Casey Crime Investigation Unit detective Sen-Constable Ruben McAllister said the man suffered facial injuries, including a black eye and swollen face, and required medical treatment the next day.

Information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at Crime Stoppers or Sen-Constable McAllister on 9705 3114.