Boys allegedly spotted with machetes at Melbourne shopping centre a week after the weapons were banned

A group of boys allegedly armed with machetes were spotted arguing at a shopping centre in Melbourne’s northwest nearly a week after the state government fast-tracked a ban on the weapons following an incident in Preston.

The group of about 5-6 boys were allegedly seen arguing with each other inside the Caroline Springs Shopping Centre about 6.40pm on Friday night.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said it was understood the group were armed with machetes.

The group had left the area by the time police arrived, and there are no reports of injuries.

Police have urged anyone with information or footage to come forward.

The alleged incident comes after an interim statewide ban on the sale of machetes was rushed through last week after a violent brawl plunged Northland Shopping Centre in Melbourne’s northeast into lockdown.

The Preston shopping centre was sent into lockdown on May 25 after reports of up to 10 people fighting, some armed with knives and machetes.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced she’d fastback a ban on machetes — initially slated to come into effect from September — in the days following the Northland incident.

“We’re doing this today as quickly as possible, because we must never let the places where we gather, the places where families come together to shop, to enjoy the peace of their weekend, become places we fear,” Ms Allan said earlier.

The ban covers machetes with a blade longer than 20cm, and does not include kitchen knives.

It will be in place until September 1, at which point it will be replaced by a permanent ban.

Victoria Police on Friday announced they had seized 6,876 edged weapons so far this year.

Forest Hill Superintendent Matt Baynes said 44 knives had been taken off the streets per day this year.

“While recent changes to machete laws will help choke the supply and double the penalties for possessing these weapons, the community should be assured police continue to relentlessly remove knives from the hands of criminals,” Superintendent Baynes said.

“In recent weeks, we have seen a number of public attacks involving edged weapons, with police quickly identifying and arresting those involved.”