Thieves nabbed in shopping blitz

By Kelly Yates
POLICE have charged 27 people with theft following a recent blitz at Westfield Fountain Gate.
Senior Sergeant Gerry Hengel from the Narre Warren police station said the eight-hour police operation was run with centre management and security on Thursday 9 July.
Sen Sgt Hengel said the stolen items included cosmetics, groceries, electrical equipment, jewellery and confectionery, which came to a total value of about $1500.
He said 22 of the offenders were under the age of 18 years.
“We handed out official cautions for first time offenders and many now face court appearances,” he said.
According to police, some of the offenders have also been banned from the centre for one to three months.
“It’s disappointing young people in Casey are stealing,” Sen Sgt Hengel said.
“And it’s time for parents to start knowing what their children are doing and who they are with.”
About two months ago police ran a similar operation at Westfield Fountain Gate and nabbed 18 offenders over an eight-hour period.