Teen claims PSOs didn’t stop bashing, robbery at Wyndham Vale train station
Victoria Police has defended the behaviour of two PSOs, who two teens say refused to intervene during a daylight assault and robbery at Wyndham Vale train station.
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A teen says he feels let down by PSOs after he and his friend were assaulted and robbed at a Melbourne train station in broad daylight.
Xavier, 14, and Ricky, 17, were on their way home from the cinema about 7.15pm on Sunday when they were surrounded by up to 20 youths at Wyndham Vale station.
The youths of African appearance separated the boys, pushed them and demanded their phones, the pair said.
LATEST: BAT-WIELDING GANG MENACE YOUTHS AT STATION
Police are hunting for two boys of African appearance, with one believed to be aged between 14 and 16.
The victims told the Herald Sun they felt let down by the inaction of protective services officers at the station amid a public backlash from those who believe the PSOs should have intervened sooner.
The gang stole Xavier’s Apple EarPod headphones and a $1000 gold necklace he was given for his 14th birthday just two weeks earlier.
“He’s turned to jelly,” Xavier’s father, Anthony Ferrari, said.
“They made him unclip his necklace.
“They then made him access his Apple ID on the phone to disable his Apple ID, and then made him disable his face recognition and fingerprint ID on the iPhone.”
Two station PSOs approached in the later stages of the robbery as it unfolded beside the station.
Xavier and his father say the officers did little to help and instead called the police as they watched on.
Mr Ferrari said he spoke with the PSOs on the phone after the incident and was told they were outnumbered, 20 to two.
Xavier was left covered in bruises and unclear who to turn to for protection.
“I am shaken, scared. It will change the way I do stuff. I’ll be more aware of my surroundings,” he said.
But Victoria Police Transit Safety detective Inspector Andrew Gustke said the PSOs had done a “fantastic job”.
“They’ve done exactly what they should do,” he said.
“They have then been approached by the first victim who was assaulted by these offenders.
“While talking to this victim it is our understanding the second robbery was taking place.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.