By Brendan Rees
Police have stepped up patrols at Fountain Gate shopping centre following a string of robberies, assaults and thefts.
“Police will not tolerate any criminal or anti-social behaviour at the Fountain Gate shopping centre and the community can expect to see an increased police presence in the area,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
There will be ongoing increased patrols near the shopping complex, with uniform and plain clothes police officers patrolling the area on foot and in vehicles at all times of the day and night.
It comes after a 14-year-old boy, who was in the food court with friends about 4.30pm on Thursday 11 April, was allegedly threatened by thugs he would be “stabbed and bashed” if he didn’t hand over money.
Police are also on the hunt for a bandit that allegedly stole more than $1,000 worth of clothing on 20 April from the centre’s Kathmandu store.
Police maintain a strong partnership with shopping centre management, meeting regularly to address emerging issues and provide appropriate police response to ensure safety of the community.
The public are encouraged who sees any suspicious, anti-social or criminal activity occurring in the area to contact their local police station and if you are in immediate danger to call triple-zero.
A Scentre Group spokesperson said the safety and security of their customers, retail partners and employees was always the centre’s priority.
