A recent incident involving a retail worker at a Melbourne shopping centre has highlighted growing concerns about safety in the city amid a significant rise in youth crime. Rochelle Currie, a local mother, shared her alarming experience in a viral TikTok video, revealing that she was advised by a shop assistant to avoid shopping centres with her children “unless absolutely necessary.”
Currie recounted a frightening encounter her husband had at the Westfield Doncaster Shopping Centre in October. While visiting with their young daughter, he witnessed a large group of young men dressed in black rushing towards them. “He grabbed my daughter, pulled her to the side, and they all just ran past,” Currie explained. She noted that the chaotic scene included screaming shoppers as security personnel appeared to hesitate, waiting for police intervention.
Currie expressed her dismay, stating, “I love Melbourne, I have lived here my entire life. But the juvenile crime is getting out of control.” Her video resonated widely, prompting numerous comments from other parents who shared their own distressing experiences. One woman recounted a violent encounter at a petrol station involving a group of teenagers armed with pickaxes and machetes. “It’s been a year now, and I still haven’t fully recovered from the shock,” she said.
Statistics from the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) illustrate the severity of the situation. In the last financial year, there were 5,901 reported crimes across 13 major shopping centres in Melbourne, marking a significant increase of 20 percent compared to the previous year. The surge was largely driven by thefts, which rose nearly 30 percent, accounting for two-thirds of all offences. Notably, Bayside Frankston reported the highest number of crimes against a person, with 105 incidents, followed by Northland and Westfield Fountain Gate.
Community Responses and Concerns
The concerns surrounding youth crime have prompted discussions about its underlying causes. One parent noted that many teenagers are disengaged from education, attributing this to the prolonged lockdowns during the pandemic. “Had I realised this was his future, I’d have moved out of Melbourne during the first lockdown,” she remarked.
Others have suggested that boredom and a lack of opportunities contribute to the rise in criminal behaviour among youth. One individual argued for increased funding for youth sports and programs, stating, “All that does is breed crime. More funding needs to be put into youth sports, youth programs, and ways of getting kids entertained.”
The Victoria Police have acknowledged the growing concern and initiated a 90-day operation aimed at enhancing safety in shopping centres. Launched on December 8, this initiative deploys Protective Services Officers to deter crime and increase police presence at locations such as Highpoint, Northland, and Westfield Fountain Gate.
Angus Nardi, Chief Executive of the Shopping Centre Council of Australia, emphasised the importance of community safety, stating, “Shopping centres are safe places, and the increased police presence and visibility will provide community assurance.”
As Melbourne faces these challenges, the dialogue surrounding youth crime continues to evolve, reflecting the broader societal impacts and the urgent need for effective solutions to ensure the safety of families and communities.
