Mob gatecrashes

By Shaun Inguanzo
A VIOLENT mob of 200 wedding crashers and a band of youths brandishing baseball bats, machetes and samurai swords provided a confronting weekend for local police.
In two separate incidents, 200 people crashed a Springvale wedding last Saturday, while on Sunday police were called to a Springvale street to disperse a band of about 30 youths fighting and carrying weapons. On Saturday, 27 May, police from Greater Dandenong, Casey, Frankston, Melbourne and the dog squad were called to the Springvale International Reception on Heatherton Road, Springvale, after reports of a large gatecrashing.
The wedding was believed to be between two members of Greater Dandenong’s Sudanese community.
Springvale Sergeant Geoff Straughen said that at 11pm on Saturday, police were called to the scene.
“There were fights among the 200,” he said. “Police tried to break it up, but one member was punched in the face. Police then deployed capsicum spray.”
A total of 16 police units attended, carrying an estimated 32 police members.
“It took police until 12.30am to disperse the crowd,” Sgt Straughen said.
No arrests were made but he said police were investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, police have denied gangs were involved in a report of 30 youths fighting and bearing weapons in Ponts Court, Springvale, at 12.30am on Sunday, 28 May.
Sgt Straughen said on arrival at the scene, police noted 20 to 30 people milling on the street with several men carrying baseball bats.
“The males dispersed when police arrived, but some members (of the mob) advanced,” he said.
“Police then used capsicum spray on those members.”
Sgt Straughen said the group, believed to be mainly teenagers, then fled.
Police later located a number of samurai swords, machetes, and baseball bats in the vicinity.
“Police are conducting further inquiries into those weapons,” he said.
Anyone with information regarding the incidents should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.