A MOB of muggers has prompted a public warning from police, following two robberies at Hemmings Park in one day.
Greater Dandenong CIU Detective Senior Constable Tony Lavars feared a mob mentality drove the group of up to 10 men to corner and rob people at the Dandenong reserve.
“They approach easy victims in large numbers,” he said.
In the first incident, Sen Const Lavars said, an 18-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman from Dandenong were standing at their parked car on Princes Highway about 1am on 27 March.
Eight to 10 men of African appearance, aged 16 to 20, surrounded them.
One man removed the woman’s phone and car keys from the roof of her car and ran off into the park.
Sen Const Lavars said three men returned shortly after, used the keys to enter and start the car and started to reverse it.
The male victim leapt through the window and grabbed the keys.
The driver and passenger punched him to the face, causing minor injuries, before leaving the car and running into the park.
About 9.30pm the same day, five men of African appearance aged in their mid to late teens approached an 18-year-old male walking through Hemmings Park.
Sen Const Lavars said they assaulted him and demanded his wallet before taking the wallet, his phone and shoes and fleeing.
The victim was treated for minor head injuries at Dandenong Hospital.
“You’ve got to be aware of your surroundings,” Sen Const Lavars said.
“If you see a large group approaching, get back in your car and go, or walk away.
“Don’t wait around to see what’s going to happen.”
Sen Const Lavars urged anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
– CASEY NEILL
