Gang fear here

By MELISSA MEEHAN
GANG violence has reared its ugly head in Dandenong.
Police have confirmed an incident at Dandenong Plaza last week, in which two teenagers were threatened with violence by a group of five youths of Pacific Islander appearance, was gang related.
The threats were made because the two victims were wearing blue bandanas – described by the gang as “their” colours – while they shopped.
It is believed the incident happened near Kmart.
Detective Senior Constable Michael Silva said police had already charged a 13-year-old Hampton Park teenager with robbery following the incident and were seeking assistance from the public for more information about others involved.
He said police will allege that the incident was gang related.
“We believed it is gang related because the bandana was the point in question,” DSC Silva said.
“They were asked why they were wearing those colours, but they were just two young blokes not causing any trouble.”
He said police were keeping an eye on the gang situation locally.
The news comes as social worker Les Twentyman told the Star that Dandenong schools were bringing Pacific Islander elders into the school grounds at lunchtime as gang violence in the area escalated.
“I was speaking to a school in Dandenong last year and they were saying they had to get elders in from the community to stop kids turning to violence when playing a friendly game of touch football or basketball,” Mr Twentyman said.
“It has become a big problem, particularly in terms of the Pacific Islanders and that’s why we are meeting with people from the Islander community trying to set up alternative schools that can engage these kids.”
Mr Twentyman said a number of kids who joined gangs were disengaged with school or had been expelled or suspended.
“We need to work as a community to ensure these kids stay in school and engaged,” he said.
“The Islander community also has a major role to play here too. These kids are going to church on the weekend but are running around the neighbourhood in gangs causing trouble the other six days of the week. “
Anyone with information about the incident at Dandenong Plaza can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.