Thieving masked youth bandits terrorise shoppers at Myer, Southland

Footage has emerged of a group of masked teens storming through Myer at Southland on Saturday afternoon, stealing and terrifying shoppers. See the video.

Footage has emerged of a group of masked teens storming through Myer Southland on Saturday afternoon, stealing and terrifying shoppers.

One woman, who witnessed the rampage, said she hoped her children didn’t now have nightmares, after seeing the youths screaming at a female security guard.

Alongside a video posted to the Bayside and Kingston Crime Watch group, the woman said “all the customers were left to fend for themselves”, as the bandits sprinted out of the Myer store with stolen goods.

“I had my young kids with me and I’ve never seen anything like it. Hoping my kids won’t have nightmares after this,” she said.

“I could not get to my car as it was in the carpark where their getaway vehicle was.”

Police confirmed a group of seven youths entered a sports store and stole clothing before allegedly assaulting a security guard and running through a department store, and snatching a woman’s handbag.

Picture: Facebook

Picture: Facebook

Picture: Facebook

Picture: Facebook

The frightening experience left many shocked, but a Southland retail worker said thieving was common at the shopping mall.

“Time and again these incidents are occurring and … security guards aren’t any form of deterrence and us staff are being left frightened to work in our stores,” the worker said.

“When are we going to see changes that actually protect us and our customers?!” they asked.

A brave female security guard protecting the Myer store can be seen in the video chasing the perpetrators into the carpark.

Investigations remain ongoing and police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

This incident follows a string of robberies at the centre, including the recent theft of 16 phones by a man only a few weeks ago.

The thief involved was captured on CCTV after smashing a glass cabinet and nabbing the devices.

Southland Westfield centre management has been contacted for comment.

Police said no arrests in relation to the incident had been made as of Saturday night.