By Brendan Rees
A mother has told of how her teenage son has been left “scared half to death” following a terrifying daylight robbery in Hampton Park on Wednesday 11 July.
The 17-year-old was walking home from gym along Fordham Road when a group of young thugs allegedly approached him at 2.20pm.
One of the youths threatened the victim with unknown weapon and demanded that he hand over his mobile phone, police say.
“Before handing over his phone, the offender struck the victim to the leg with the unknown weapon,” said police spokeswoman Creina O’Grady.
The victim handed over his phone and a small amount of cash before the group fled towards Hampton Park Shopping Centre.
Police patrolled the area but were unable to track down the culprits. The victim didn’t suffer any injuries.
“He said as soon as he saw them he knew what was going to happen and there was no escape,” said the teen’s mother, who wished to remain anonymous.
She said her son was an “easy target” and was in the “wrong place, wrong time.”
“They’re mostly a pack of gutless a*******s and they always go in groups because they’re more intimidating.
“There were five or six of them and they’ve punched him – it’s any wonder why he’s scared half to death,” she said.
“He’s extremely shaken up, very flat and had a terrible night’s sleep.
“I’ve never had anything like this happen, you hardly ever hear of it in Hampton Park.”
Adding to the frustration was the fact that she would still have to pay off her son’s stolen phone which is under contract with Vodafone and also not insured.
“I will still have to pay for his phone even though it’s been stolen and unlikely to see it again.
“They couldn’t care less even though he’s been severely traumatised they can’t do anything,” she said.
She said had little faith in the justice system even if those responsible are caught.
“The magistrate lets them off. The message they’re told is ‘Do whatever the hell you like because nothing’s going to happen.’”
“I really think something serious needs to be done from a legislative point to stop all of this happening. The government needs to get serious about it.”
The youths were described as African in appearance, wearing dark hooded-tops that were possibly black or dark green.
They wore their tops’ zippers up to partially cover their faces, police said.
Casey CIU detectives are investigating the robbery.
Liberal candidate for Cranbourne Ann-Marie Hermans said she was shocked by the incident, saying “Daniel Andrews’ government is incapable of governing on law and order matters with any clarity or strength.”
She said the Liberal focus would be to crack down on crime. “We’ll bring in reforms that ban concurrent sentences for eleven serious crimes to keep the criminals off our streets, and out of our homes, cars and businesses.”
Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
