Sibanengi Dube
Police have disrupted a likely gang confrontation in Watergardens overnight, arresting three people and seizing numerous weapons, including machetes, knives, batons, and an imitation firearm.
Detectives from Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit and local police were called to the local shopping centre on Wednesday evening, following reports of a group of 12 youths causing a disturbance.
Upon arrival, police searched the 12 youths and found them in possession of a machete and knife respectively.
As a result, a 15-year-old boy from Deer Park and a 14-year-old boy from St Albans were arrested and interviewed in connection with possession of prohibited weapons. Both are expected to be charged on summons.
A further four machetes and a tactical knife were located hidden in nearby bushes. Shopping centre security also found another machete in the vicinity.
Police also later noticed two more armed groups of youths in a Mazda CX7 wagon and a Ford Falcon sedan in the area.
Police located an imitation firearm under the driver’s seat of the Ford Falcon sedan and arrested a 19-year-old male driver from Kings Park. He was released pending summons and will be charged with weapons related offences.
A further four machetes, three knives, an extendable baton, and a box cutter were located in the Mazda CX7 wagon.
One of the occupants of this vehicle, a 16-year-old girl from Brookfield was arrested and charged with armed robbery committed before hand. She was summonsed to appear at a children’s court at a later date. The police investigation into this incident are continuing.
“Police understand the concern generated when gang violence occurs and our commitment to the community is to continue to make life as difficult as possible for those seeking to commit serious and violent crime.
“In the past year alone, Operation Alliance has led to the arrest of 448 youth gang members a combined 1,422 times, resulting in almost 3,200 charges being laid.
“As part of Alliance, we are regularly knocking on the doors of youth gang members for bail compliance checks, saturating locations where we know they frequent and are likely to offend and gathering further intelligence on their activities and their associates.
“There are absolutely no winners when it comes to knife violence – those involved will either end up in prison, or in hospital with severe and life changing injuries, or worse.”
Victoria Police continues to relentlessly pursue those connected to youth gangs as part of Operation Alliance,” said Brimbank and Melton Superintendent Michael Cruse.
Since Operation Alliance commenced in September 2020, the number of known Victorian youth gang members on Victoria Police’s watchlist has decreased from 747 to 625.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
