Full Breakdown
Brawl at Melbourne’s Northland Shopping Centre Leads to Five Arrests
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
Police and Protective Services Officers observed a group of females fighting in the food court of Northland Shopping Centre in Preston on a Friday evening. The altercation involved four girls aged 12, 14, 16 and 17, together with an 18-year-old woman. Both the 14-year-old and the 12-year-old sustained minor injuries; the former was taken to hospital, while the latter received on-scene treatment and was released pending further enquiries. Officers seized a knife that was allegedly produced during the fight. All five individuals were taken into custody, with the 18-year-old, the 16-year-old and the 17-year-old expected to be charged on summons.
Police Response and Investigation
Victoria Police confirmed that officers from Operation Pulse were conducting routine patrols when they intervened. A police spokesman said the Banyule Crime Investigation Unit will lead the follow-up inquiry into the circumstances of the brawl. The police have urged anyone who witnessed the incident, possesses video footage, or has additional information to contact Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000) or submit an online report.
Recent History of Violence at Northland
The Friday incident follows a series of violent events at the precinct. In May 2025, a large-scale brawl involving ten people and machetes erupted in the same food court, prompting mass evacuations and leaving one man seriously injured; police at the time linked the attack to rival gang retaliation. A separate episode in June 2025 captured a sports utility vehicle speeding through the centre on a smartphone video.
Crime Statistics for Melbourne Shopping Centres
According to the Crime Statistics Agency, 5,901 crimes were recorded across 13 major Melbourne shopping centres during the 2024-25 financial year, representing a 20 percent rise from the previous year. Northland ranked second in incident volume, behind Bayside Frankston and ahead of Westfield Fountain Gate.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
Detectives continue to examine the Friday night brawl, with the seized knife and any available footage forming key evidence. Authorities reiterate their request for community assistance through Crime Stoppers to aid the investigation.