Thefts prompt warning: ‘Young people walking together are less likely to be targets for gangs’

A principal is warning students to stay in groups at shopping centres to deter gangs following a series of brazen thefts.

A principal from a school in Melbourne’s west has warned students and families to be vigilant after a spate of brazen thefts by youth gangs in the area.

In an email to the school community, Alamanda K – 9 College principal Lyn Jobson said there had been a series of incidents in the Saltwater precinct at Point Cook Town Centre and Werribee Plaza, where local gangs were cornering students and stealing their shoes and phones in order to sell them.

Ms Jobson also advised students to consider walking with a family member or friend if they visit the Saltwater community.

“Young people walking together are less likely to be targets for gangs that are looking to steal items,” she said.

A series of crimes at Werribee Plaza has sparked calls for young people to be vigilant.

It can also be revealed the school was sent into lockdown on Tuesday morning after a fight broke out outside school grounds between youths.

The Herald Sun has also seen posts from youth gang members in Point Cook and surrounding suburbs openly bragging about the recent incidents in the area.

One gang member also posted an Instagram story, which featured a rival gang member’s photo, captioned: “coming for you”.

The school’s principal also last year warned families about youth gangs in another newsletter saying: “From time to time we have gangs in Point Cook. It appears that during 2020, when every other venue closed — the timing was right for the gangs to reach out to kids in our area.”

There are fears gangs are cornering students and stealing their shoes and phones in order to sell them.

“These gangs are multilayered from tweens to teens into adults. They are complex and sophisticated. Do not underestimate the pull they have on your children regardless of the stories your children tell you,” she wrote.

An Education Department spokesman wrote: “The school took steps to ensure the safety of students as a precaution due to an incident off site yesterday.”

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said five youth offenders had been arrested this week, with a total of 15 arrested in the last two months.

“Those arrested this week do not have known connections to youth gangs,” the spokeswoman said.

“We have known persons of interest who are monitored closely – we know who they are and we know their offending habits.

“The Westgate Alliance Taskforce investigates and responds to serious and violent crime involving youth offenders in Wyndham, while also making regular check-ins with offenders to ensure they are complying with bail and court conditions.

“This disruptive approach is supported by the Proactive Policing Unit and local uniform police who are engaged with local schools, support agencies, youth workers and Youth Justice agencies to enhance overall safety and develop solutions to steer young people away from crime.”