Shopping centre rocked by machete scare
A group of boys allegedly armed with machetes were spotted arguing at a shopping centre in Melbourne's northwest nearly a week after the state government fast-tracked a ban on the weapons following an incident in Preston.
The group of about 5-6 boys were allegedly seen arguing with each other inside the Caroline Springs Shopping Centre about 6.40pm on Friday night.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said it was understood the group were armed with machetes.
The group had left the area by the time police arrived, and there are no reports of injuries.
Police have urged anyone with information or footage to come forward.
The alleged incident comes after an interim statewide ban on the sale of machetes was rushed through last week after a violent brawl plunged Northland Shopping Centre in Melbourne's northeast into lockdown. A group of boys allegedly armed with machetes were spotted arguing at Caroline Springs Shopping Centre. NewsWire / David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia
The Preston shopping centre was sent into lockdown on May 25 after reports of up to 10 people fighting, some armed with knives and machetes.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced she'd fastback a ban on machetes — initially slated to come into effect from September — in the days following the Northland incident.
'We're doing this today as quickly as possible, because we must never let the places where we gather, the places where families come together to shop, to enjoy the peace of their weekend, become places we fear,' Ms Allan said earlier. A group of about 5-6 boys were allegedly seen arguing in CS Square, with a police spokesperson saying it was understood some were armed with machetes. NewsWire / David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia
The ban covers machetes with a blade longer than 20cm, and does not include kitchen knives.
It will be in place until September 1, at which point it will be replaced by a permanent ban.
Victoria Police on Friday announced they had seized 6,876 edged weapons so far this year.
Forest Hill Superintendent Matt Baynes said 44 knives had been taken off the streets per day this year.
'While recent changes to machete laws will help choke the supply and double the penalties for possessing these weapons, the community should be assured police continue to relentlessly remove knives from the hands of criminals,' Superintendent Baynes said.
'In recent weeks, we have seen a number of public attacks involving edged weapons, with police quickly identifying and arresting those involved.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Perth Now
Massive update on Amazon product
Amazon has removed the sale of all machetes from its online Australian marketplace after a landmark ban in Victoria. The Victorian government announced a statewide ban on the sale of machetes following a violent brawl at a Northland shopping centre. The Australian-first ban will come into effect from September 1, and comes amid mounting calls for the Labor government to crackdown on youth crime. Despite the ban, Amazon Australia was reportedly still selling the deadly weapon earlier this month; in a statement this week, the retailer said that had come to and end. A spokesperson for the retail giant confirmed machetes were no longer for sale across all of Amazon Australia, not just in Victoria, following the state government's decision. Google searches for machetes on Amazon continued to retrieve results on Sunday, but the link took buyers to a web page stating the address was 'not functioning'. An interim total ban on the sale of machetes was introduced on May 28, with failure to comply with the ban when it comes in affect being a criminal offence. The interim order means those who may have a legitimate and legal reason to have a machete, namely farmers, will be locked out of any purchases. After September 1, retailers will be able to apply for an exemption to sell machetes for legitimate use, and will be listed on a police register. The ban comes after four people were charged over a brawl at Northland shopping centre. Credit: X A three-month amnesty will also come into affect from September 1, allowing anyone already possessing a machete to hand them in. The ban is the first of its kind in Australia, and comes after the brawl at Northland shopping centre, which sparked a lockdown. Four males have since been charged over the alleged rival gang fight. They remain before the courts.
West Australian
3 hours ago
- West Australian
Amazon Australia removes machetes after landmark Victoria ban
Amazon has removed the sale of all machetes from its online Australian marketplace after a landmark ban in Victoria. The Victorian government announced a statewide ban on the sale of machetes following a violent brawl at a Northland shopping centre. The Australian-first ban will come into effect from September 1, and comes amid mounting calls for the Labor government to crackdown on youth crime. Despite the ban, Amazon Australia was reportedly still selling the deadly weapon earlier this month; in a statement this week, the retailer said that had come to and end. A spokesperson for the retail giant confirmed machetes were no longer for sale across all of Amazon Australia, not just in Victoria, following the state government's decision. Google searches for machetes on Amazon continued to retrieve results on Sunday, but the link took buyers to a web page stating the address was 'not functioning'. An interim total ban on the sale of machetes was introduced on May 28, with failure to comply with the ban when it comes in affect being a criminal offence. The interim order means those who may have a legitimate and legal reason to have a machete, namely farmers, will be locked out of any purchases. After September 1, retailers will be able to apply for an exemption to sell machetes for legitimate use, and will be listed on a police register. A three-month amnesty will also come into affect from September 1, allowing anyone already possessing a machete to hand them in. The ban is the first of its kind in Australia, and comes after the brawl at Northland shopping centre, which sparked a lockdown. Four males have since been charged over the alleged rival gang fight. They remain before the courts.
Perth Now
4 hours ago
- Perth Now
Teen killed in horror island incident
Not Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia A teenager has been killed after a 4WD rolled over late at night on Queensland's remote Mornington Island. Early investigations by police indicate the vehicle rolled on Birra Rd about 11pm on Saturday night. A 19-year-old Mornington Island was ejected from the car and tragically died at the scene. A second occupant, a 19-year-old Gununa man, was rushed to the Mornington Island Hospital with minor injuries. The Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit are in investigating the incident.
