Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has urged people not to become vigilantes after teenagers were photographed carrying baseball bats in a Melbourne suburb where two teenagers were robbed.
On Sunday, a 14-year-old boy and his 17-year-old friend were allegedly surrounded and robbed by a group of 20 young people at a bus stop in Wyndham Vale.
Victoria Police described a suspect as African in appearance and aged between 14 and 16.
The next day images of Caucasian teenagers carrying baseball bats around the south-west suburb where the two teenagers were robbed was released by the Herald Sun.
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Victorian police confirmed they responded to reports of "two males armed with baseball bats and a potential fight starting between youths" before they were dispersed.
A police spokesperson said they were investigating the incident since the potential offence is possessing a dangerous article.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to call on the "frustrated" public to let the police handle the investigation.
“I can understand that they’re obviously particularly frustrated. I think that members of Victoria Police are frustrated — we’re all frustrated that some in our community choose to behave badly,” Mr Andrews said.
“Having said that, though, I would urge people if you believe a crime has been committed ring Triple Zero. That’s for your own safety and to make sure that people are caught and get the justice they richly deserve.
“Taking matters in your own hands is never a smart idea for you or for anybody else."
Police also discouraged people from "taking the law into their own hands and to call Triple Zero" following the reports.
