Overview

• Victoria Police say five to six males armed with machetes argued inside CS Square around 6:40 pm on June 6 before fleeing and triggering a lockdown
• No injuries were reported and authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with footage to contact Crime Stoppers as investigations continue
• The incident follows a premeditated machete brawl at Northland Shopping Centre in Preston on May 25 that forced an evacuation and led to seven people being charged
• Premier Jacinta Allan’s legislation enacted a total ban on machete sales on May 28 and will soon criminalize possession with penalties up to $47,000 or two years in jail
• Community leaders are calling for enhanced youth rehabilitation programs to tackle underlying issues behind the surge in public violence