Shoppers locked inside stores as police respond to reports of teenagers fighting, with one allegedly armed. Community meeting set to address rising crime in the area.
Police responded to reports of a teenager armed with a knife at Manor Lakes on 4 October, following a fight between a group on Ballan Road at around 5:20 pm. No injuries were reported, and no weapon was recovered. A security officer on-site confirmed that police reviewed CCTV footage of the incident and that the individuals involved were known to authorities.
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Shoppers were locked down inside the centre for about an hour, with many confined within individual shops while others were kept outside as police investigated. Witnesses reported seeing two teenagers fighting in the shopping centre, one allegedly holding a knife. However, the teens had fled before police arrived.
In a separate incident during the same time frame, a stolen car was abandoned outside a residential property on Eureka Drive, and four youths were reportedly causing disturbances at Wyndham Vale train station. Police canvassed the area and conducted door-to-door inquiries but were unable to apprehend any suspects, who had already fled the scene.
Neighbourhood Watch Manor Lakes has responded to these recent events, including the shopping centre lockdown, and organised a community meeting on 13 October to address the growing concerns over crime in the area. Councillor Peter Maynard is expected to attend, and efforts are being made to secure representation from Victoria Police and the Manor Lakes Shopping Centre to discuss crime prevention strategies.
Residents are encouraged to share their concerns or suggestions ahead of the meeting by contacting Neighbourhood Watch Manor Lakes via email or social media.
