By NATALIE GALLENTI
MELTON police are warning youngsters across the municipality to take extra precaution when passing through secluded areas after a spate of concerning incidents in which vulnerable young victims were targeted by groups of teenagers.
Police have called on young residents to be conscious of their own personal safety at all times and make sure they are accompanied by friends whenever possible. They have also urged youngsters to keep valuable items hidden.
The warning comes after a nine-year-old boy was stopped by three teenagers while riding his bike at Wedge Park, Melton West, on 16 May.
The victim was pushed off his bike after refusing to hand it over and the offenders rode off. Police are appealing for witnesses to this incident.
Another alarming incident occurred on High St, Melton, when a 15-year-old female victim was pinned down by two female offenders and had her mobile phone prised from her hands. Two 15-year-old girls have been interviewed and charged by police in relation to this incident.
Meanwhile in other incidents this month, Coburns Primary School fell victim to thieves who stole two student bicycles on 16 May, and a Taylors Hill resident was forced to defend their home when an offender attempted to enter the residential premises on Collins St.
The occupant kicked the front door closed catching the offender’s arm. The offender immediately ran from the scene and was seen getting into a white Ford Falcon sedan. Anyone with information about this incident should contact Melton Crime Investigation Unit.
Between Friday 17 May and Sunday 19 May, an offender entered a property on Creekbank Place, Caroline Springs, and stole two red Honda motorbikes, four helmets and four sets of Fox body armour and boots.
And in what can only be described as a bizarre robbery, a brazen thief entered the Melton Senior Citizens Club on 16 May and in a strange turn of events made a cup of tea and ate some jellies. The offender was wearing a dark top and blue jeans.
Police have urged the offender that if he is “down on his luck” he should seek community assistance by more conventional and acceptable means.
