By Kyra Gillespie
Police have ramped up security in Taylors Hill following a violent clash between Pakenham and Melton youths earlier this month.
On Wednesday 8 August police responded to the two disparate groups of youths, who came from across Melbourne to meet in the area for the purpose of engaging in a fight.
The suburb was sent into lockdown as riot police converged to quell the crowd of more than 100 teens, accused of hurling rocks at officers and smashing the windscreen of a police vehicle.
During the rampage, residents were reportedly told to “stay inside and lock their doors”.
Following the terrifying incident, police will set up a mobile facility in Taylors Hill on Monday 27 August as part of ongoing patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the rattled community.
“It is clear that people were fearful of the youths’ activities on the night, which is why we have committed significant time and resources into our investigation,” North West Metro Region Commander Tim Hansen said.
“As part of our enquiries, we have spoken to two persons of interest and also identified a number of causal factors that contributed to what occurred in Taylors Hill and these have been incorporated into what has become a complex, ongoing investigation.
“Police have also widely canvassed the Taylors Hill area, speaking to residents to review initial complaints of brawls and damage to bus shelters in the area.
“We have not identified any people who directly witnessed these incidents or in a position to provide a statement that we can verify.”
Cmdr Hansen said those who gathered in the area were primarily school-aged youths and included a significant number of females.
Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit detectives have spoken to a range of people as part of their investigation including residents, schools, and community leaders.
Apart from the damage to the police vehicle in Taylors Hill there were no further issues, no injuries and no threats to community safety in the area.
Police were unable to identify those responsible for damage to a police vehicle on the night and this remains the case currently.
An altercation between two females did occur later that night at an unknown location. Investigators have spoken to the victim in this matter and a number of other persons including local school representatives. This investigation remains ongoing but is sensitive in nature.
Police will be based near Lonzo Park between 3pm to 7pm and encourage local residents to drop in to discuss any local policing concerns.
If anyone witnessed a crime that night or has any information which may assist police in their investigation, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
