Overview

• On Sunday afternoon, two rival youth gangs allegedly staged a premeditated machete fight at Northland Shopping Centre in Preston, forcing an evacuation and hospitalising three people.
• Victoria Police have arrested and charged seven young males—all known gang members, with at least four on bail—with offences including affray and using a controlled weapon.
• The Victorian government fast-tracked a sales ban on cutting-edge knives over 20 cm from midday May 28, requiring retailers to withdraw and securely store existing stock.
• A complete prohibition on machete possession will begin on September 1, followed by a three-month amnesty period for voluntary surrenders and exemptions for legitimate uses.
• Victoria Police are boosting patrols around shopping centres and intensifying Operation Alliance, which has led to hundreds of youth gang arrests and weapon seizures this year.