A Victorian shopping centre was placed into lockdown on Monday (3 March 2025) after a security guard was allegedly assaulted by a group of teenagers in a shocking daylight attack. Police say nine youths were involved in the violent brawl at Bendigo Marketplace just after 4pm.
Premier Jacinta Allan, whose electorate office is located nearby, condemned the attack.
“I am absolutely sickened by this disgusting incident, and my thoughts are with the victim.”
Video footage provided to the media captured the security guard being punched, kicked, and dragged to the ground as horrified shoppers looked on. Some of the alleged attackers were reportedly in school uniforms.
During the attack, the guard—who is Sikh—had his turban ripped off, prompting concerns about the nature of the assault.
It is reported that some bystanders who attempted to intervene were also attacked.
Four teenagers, aged between 14 and 17, have been arrested and are assisting police with inquiries. No charges have been laid yet, but authorities say all nine suspects have been identified and will be dealt with.
Acting Superintendent David Bowler confirmed police are investigating the incident and said the security guard was simply trying to do his job when he was set upon.
“This started because a security guard was ensuring the shopping centre remained a safe place,” Bowler said.
“It’s horrendous this has happened—it will affect him for a long time.”
Bowler dismissed suggestions the attack was racially motivated, stating, “We have no evidence to suggest that.” He also urged the community to allow police to handle such situations rather than stepping in themselves.
“We do not want vigilante groups coming in. Please allow us to do our job.”
The shopping centre was placed into lockdown for around 15 minutes, with about 400 people trapped inside as the chaos unfolded. Witnesses described scenes of panic, with shopkeepers hurriedly locking their doors.
Retailers reported a noticeable drop in foot traffic on Tuesday, with many worried about the long-term impact on business.
Bendigo Marketplace has since deployed additional security and handed over CCTV footage to police. A spokesperson for the centre described the attack as “incredibly disappointing” and said management was conducting a security review to prevent future incidents.
Police arrived at the scene eight minutes after the initial report, but the attackers had already fled. Authorities have since tracked down four of the suspects and expect to locate the rest soon.
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