Carols marred by gang robbery

The attack took place after the Carols by Candlelight. 188298_18

By Kyra Gillespie

Pakenham’s annual Carols by Candlelight has been marred after two young attendees fell victim to a terrifying gang robbery at the conclusion of the festive event.

The victims, two 18-year-old friends from Pakenham, were walking across Toomuc Reserve at the conclusion of the fireworks display when they were approached by two young males which they described as being of African appearance.

The two strangers then allegedly attempted to start a fight, repeatedly telling the two victims to “hit” them.

“They kept saying ‘hit me, hit me’ but my son and his friend aren’t like that, and they said no,” the mother of one of the teen victims said.

“They then singled out the two boys – one had my son and the other had his friend. My son ended up getting trapped and shouldered into a rail.

“The next minute there was about 20 of them around him, holding him up against a fence and fossicking in his pockets.”

The male holding the other friend then demanded his watch; when he refused, he threatened to hurt his friend. He then handed the watch over.

“That watch had just been given to my son’s friend by his parents for his graduation; he was absolutely shattered. But at least you can replace a watch – you can’t replace a life,” the mother continued.

“They were both very rattled – my son didn’t go to work today. We reported it to the police, but they told us that because they were all likely underage they will just get a slap on the wrist and let go.

“The police have a big job, but are limited in what they can do.”

The family have been in Pakenham for 21 years and the two boys attended a local school together.

It’s the first time any family member has fallen victim to crime in that time.

“We hear of it all happening everywhere else, and read about it on Facebook, but you never expect it to hit home like this. I can’t even begin to put myself in their shoes, they were absolutely terrified.

“And for it to happen at the carols too – we had been there all night with them but I left about half an hour earlier to take my younger son home.

“You shouldn’t have to warn your child to watch their back, but that’s what it has come to.”

Police say a local secondary school is helping police identify some of the school-aged suspects.

Detectives investigating the incident say they have strong leads on persons involved.

They also noted that behaviour at the Pakenham Carols by Candlelight was good and that this is was an isolated incident.

“The behaviour on the night was great, this is the only negative incident from the night. Apart from this, it was a really good night,” Senior Detective Beard said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Pakenham police on 59452500 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.