EXCLUSIVE: Terrified Melbourne Mums Flee Homes as Teen Gangs Wreak Havoc in Suburbs – ‘It’s Come to Our Door’
- Families in Melton, Melbourne’s west, are living in fear as teen gangs commit violent crimes, including home invasions and knife attacks
- One family, who wished to remain anonymous, has been subjected to four attempted home invasions, with 11 people breaking in and smashing up their house
- Five young people, aged 18 and under, have been killed in knife violence in Melton in the past two and a half years, with three attending the same high school
Susan, a South Sudanese-Australian woman, is living in constant fear for her family’s safety. Her home in Melton has been targeted by a gang, with four attempted home invasions in recent years. The most recent incident saw 11 people break in and smash up her house, leaving her and her children shaken.
“It’s come to our door,” Susan said, her voice trembling with fear. “We don’t know what our kids are mixed up in, but it’s clear a gang is out to get them.”
Susan’s family is not alone in their fear. Many families in Melton are living in terror of the teen gangs that are wreaking havoc in the suburbs. The gangs, made up of children and young people not much older than 18, are committing violent crimes, including home invasions and knife attacks.
According to crime statistics, Melton has one of the highest rates of home invasions in greater Melbourne. In the past five years, home invasions in Melton and neighbouring Wyndham have almost tripled, with 350 youth gang members operating in the area.
The situation has become so dire that some families are abandoning their homes and fleeing to other areas. Susan has sent four of her teenage children to live with a relative in NSW, and is living with her daughter in a different area.
“We don’t see no life for us,” Susan said, tears streaming down her face. “Dau and Chol were innocent children. It’s really hurt us a lot.”
Dau Akueng, 15, and Chol Achiek, 12, were killed in a knife attack in September, just one of the many violent incidents that have rocked the community. The alleged perpetrators, eight people aged 15 to 19, are associated with one of the gangs operating in the area.
Experts say the rise in violence is due to a combination of factors, including poverty, lack of opportunities, and social media fuelling anger among young people. Selu Ah Hong, who runs a range of youth services programs, believes many kids are turning to gang culture to try to find a sense of belonging.
“Pretty much 99 per cent of our kids, there is a disconnection from parents and the home environment,” he said. “If the kid doesn’t have [belonging] at home, they’re going to go out and find it.”
The situation in Melton has become so dire that residents are calling for urgent action to be taken. Mary, a South Sudanese-Australian woman, is one of many who are living in fear of the teen gangs.
“It’s not good anymore, Melton,” she said. “This is not going to stop. I’m just so worried about my kids.”
As the situation continues to escalate, it remains to be seen what will be done to address the growing problem of teen gangs in Melton. One thing is certain, however: something needs to be done, and fast, to restore peace and safety to the community.