Home / Crime and Justice / Melbourne Mall Terror: Stolen 4WD Ramps Through Shoppers
Melbourne Mall Terror: Stolen 4WD Ramps Through Shoppers
4 Dec
Summary
- A stolen 4WD crashed through Northland Shopping Centre's glass doors.
- The vehicle narrowly missed children as shoppers fled in terror.
- A man faces charges including reckless conduct endangering life.
A stolen four-wheel drive caused widespread panic at Melbourne's Northland Shopping Centre, smashing through security bollards and glass entrance doors while shoppers desperately tried to escape. The vehicle narrowly avoided hitting a young child as terrified families ran for safety. Authorities have charged a 27-year-old man with offenses including reckless conduct endangering life and criminal damage, with his trial set for 2026.
This incident adds to Northland Shopping Centre's concerning reputation, having recorded 82 crimes between July 2024 and June 2025. The shopping centre has recently experienced a fire in a Myer store, a demonstration by white supremacists, a violent brawl between rival groups, and youths armed with machetes.
These events have prompted state leaders to address rising crime rates, with the Victorian Premier acknowledging past errors in bail laws and introducing tougher reforms. Possession of machetes now carries significant penalties, reflecting the seriousness of recent violent incidents.
