Masked thugs threaten woman with knife as child sleeps in same room
A WOMAN sleeping near her young child feared for her life as masked African males held a knife to neck during a home invasion in Albion early this morning, and police believe a “core group” of offenders could be responsible.
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A WOMAN sleeping near her young child feared for her life as masked African males held a knife to neck during a home invasion in Albion early this morning.
The men armed themselves with a hammer and knife from the garage of the Anderson Road, Albion home before entering through a locked window about 1.30am.
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They then used the knife to threaten the woman.
A neighbouring unit was also ransacked early this morning.
This morning’s terrifying attack is second home invasion by masked African males in two days.
Two men suffered head injuries at the hands of intruders who smashed their way through a window in Taylors Hill, home early yesterday.
This morning Victoria Police chief commissioner Graham Ashton said officers would be able to take a more proactive approach to stop repeat offenders if they were informed when youths would be released from custody.
Police believe a “core group” of offenders could be behind the terrifying home invasions and robberies and they’re confident they will be able to track them down.
While the identities and history of the wanted youths are still unknown, Mr Ashton said that police had in the past noticed a spike in crime when youths were released back into the community after being arrested on other crimes.
“Anyone in their own home has got a right to be safe in their own home,” Mr Ashton said
“Those sort of crimes are absolutely abhorrent ... absolutely unacceptable.
“We have a good record of catching offenders in relation to those offences and we will no doubt be doing that here.”
Police and African community leaders will meet today to discuss the past three days of violence as part of a planned meeting of a taskforce set up to tackle youth crime by African-Australians.
The fiancee of the victim of this morning’s home invasion in Albion, Ed, said he woke to her screams.
He ran downstairs and yelled “you better run, you rats” as the thugs jumped out a window and fled.
Ed said his fiancee Trang feared for her life.
She and her five-year-old son ran into the bathroom to hide after the terrifying confrontation.
“She was scared,” he said.
“She hid in the shower.
“She told me to ring the cops.”
Ed, who did not provide a surname, said his fiance was “shaken up but was trying to be strong for the young fella.”
The child, a prep student, has left home to go to school this morning.
Ed said the boy was brave when the thugs jumped on his bed and threatened his mum, Trang.
“He screamed, but he never cried,” he said.
Trang, 35, did not want to speak about the overnight home invasion except to say she was now “OK.”
Ed said he and his family want to move from the area.
“I am feeling better now it’s daylight,” he said.
“I’m peeved off they can do that.”
Police found a knife while sweeping the HV McKay Memorial Gardens in Albion today, and have taken it in as evidence.
A set of car keys stolen from their unit remains at the front of the property.
Another unit in the same block was also targeted for the second time in a fortnight.
The residents woke this morning to find knives missing from the kitchen as well as multiple sets of keys.
Resident Bharani Vattikvti said it was scary to know someone was in his house.
“Last time it was armed robbery, now knives have been moved from the kitchen,” he said.
Prabhath Ponnamaneru, 32, was held at knifepoint in his living room on February 16.
He relived the terrifying experience this morning when he woke to find thugs had again been inside his home.
The living room has been ransacked, with keys, phones and knives stolen.
Mr Ponnamaneru slept through the break-in but say they feel violated.
“I’m pretty rattled,” he said.
“I was held at knifepoint last week.
“The person sat on an armchair and draped his arm over me and held a knife to my neck.
“He said to me ‘don’t make a noise or we will hurt you.
“I am now keeping my passport on me at all times. I can’t risk it.”
Crime scene investigators are scouring both homes for clues.
It comes after a 12-year-old boy was arrested during a series of crimes linked to young African offenders, including robberies and a home invasion.
Police are still looking for one gang of thugs, suspected of involvement in a frightening aggravated burglary and a holdup at a fast-food restaurant in Melbourne’s northwest yesterday.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
