Youth Violence Escalates: Four Teens Charged After Armed Robbery in Altona Meadows

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Four teenage boys have been arrested following an armed robbery and serious assault at a shopping center in Altona Meadows on Saturday, 19 July.

Victoria Police’s Hobsons Bay Crime Investigation Unit reported that around 8:00 p.m., a 33-year-old local man was approached by a group of young males at a shopping complex on Central Avenue. The man was pushed to the ground, and one of the offenders allegedly used an edged weapon, believed to be a knife, to strike his arm. The victim sustained a serious injury that required hospitalization. Police confirmed the injuries were not life-threatening.

The group allegedly fled the scene with the victim’s mobile phone. Following an investigation, four teenage boys were arrested.

A 14-year-old from the Wyndham area has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury, reckless conduct, endangering life, robbery, and unlawful assault. He has been remanded in custody and will appear before a children’s court.

Two 15-year-old boys from the Hobsons Bay area are facing the same charges. Both have been granted bail and are due to appear in court at a later date.

A fourth suspect, a 14-year-old also from Hobsons Bay, is expected to be charged on summons. Police are continuing to search for a fifth individual believed to have been involved in the incident.

Community Concern Over Youth Crime

The incident has added to growing concerns in Melbourne’s western suburbs about the rise in youth violence. Residents and local leaders have repeatedly raised alarms over what they describe as a lack of accountability and consequences for young offenders.

Many in the community are calling for urgent reform to the youth justice system, arguing that the current approach is failing to deter repeat offenders and is contributing to escalating violence in once-quiet suburbs like Altona Meadows.

Anyone with information about the incident or the identity of the fifth suspect is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.