Police have arrested three teenage boys following an alleged incident involving imitation firearms at Somerville Central Shopping Centre this morning.
It is believed the boys stole the imitation guns from a store inside the Eramosa Road shopping centre at approximately 10:40 am before reportedly pointing them at members of the public as they moved through the complex.
Officers responded quickly to the situation and arrested the trio.
The three boys, aged 13, 14 and 16, are currently in custody and are being interviewed by police.
Imitation Firearm Laws in Victoria
In Victoria, devices that can reasonably be mistaken for real firearms based on their appearance are classified as imitation firearms, even if they lack the functionality of an actual weapon. Possession, use, sale, or importation of imitation firearms requires a Chief Commissioner’s Prohibited Weapons Approval or a Governor in Council Exemption. Although these items cannot discharge projectiles, they can still cause public alarm due to their realistic resemblance to working firearms.
Download the Imitation Gun Quick Guide here from Victoria Police.
Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives are continuing their enquiries and are seeking any witnesses who may have seen the incident or have relevant CCTV footage.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
