Geelong’s top cop has addressed the concerning recent escalation of violent offences following another alleged stabbing, this time involving a group of masked men.
A man was allegedly stabbed in Thomson on Thursday morning after a robbery attempt involving five balaclava-clad offenders.
Detectives from the Geelong Crime Investigation Unit are probing the concerning incident after the gang allegedly attempted to steal the victim’s Harley Davidson motorbike from a St Albans Road residence.
The alleged attack occurred just after 5.30am.
Geelong police and paramedics responded to a stabbing on St Albans Rd in Thomson on Thursday morning. Photo: Brad Fleet.
A Victorian Police spokeswoman said detectives were told a physical confrontation occurred and a man, believed to be in his 30s, was stabbed in his leg.
“The offenders fled the scene with the motorbike, which was recovered by police nearby shortly after,” she said.
An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman told the Geelong Advertiser a man was treated for a lower body injury and taken to the Geelong hospital in a stable condition.
The terrifying incident is the latest in a string of violent crimes to take place in Geelong in recent weeks.
On May 8, two men were allegedly stabbed by a pair of teenagers along Brougham St at about 7.30pm. An 18-year-old Norlane man and a 19-year-old Bayswater man have been charged by Geelong detectives.
Days earlier, on May 6, a firearm was allegedly discharged in Swanston St. Police are still investigating the incident and no charges have been laid.
The Corner of Moorabool and Brougham street where there was a stabbing on Monday. Picture: Brad Fleet
On May 4 a 25-year-old Norlane man and a 21-year-old Corio man allegedly robbed a man who was driving along the Surf Coast Highway. One of the men was allegedly armed with a weapon. Both were charged with numerous offences.
On April 22, an armed offender allegedly demanded money from a Herne Hill bottle shop attendant while his accomplice tried to steal alcohol during a dramatic armed robbery.
A day later, on April 23, an armed man allegedly stole an e-cigarette from a Norlane milk bar.
Geelong’s top cop, Superintendent Peter Ward, said police believed the incidents were isolated and that crime involving weapons remained at low levels.
The scene of an alleged shooting incident on Swanston Street, Geelong on Sunday morning. Photo: Alan Barber.
“The latest independent Victorian crime data shows that prohibited and controlled weapons offences in Greater Geelong are at their lowest levels in five years,” Supt Ward said.
“On top of this, aggravated robberies and firearm offences in the Greater Geelong region are at their lowest levels in seven years.”
The current state crime statistics only encompass 2022, and do not include recent offences.
Supt Ward would not be drawn on whether there had been an increase in violent crime in recent months, or if police were concerned by offenders possessing firearms and knives.
It’s understood police regularly conduct weapons related operations in the community, including searching people banned from possessing firearms and searching people in the CBD for weapons.
Western Region Division 1 divisional superintendent Peter Ward. Picture: Alison Wynd
“Police believe this week’s stabbing on Brougham Street and shooting on Swanston St are isolated incidents,” Supt Ward said.
“Thankfully it is incredibly rare for violent incidents, such as stabbings and shootings, to involve random victims.”
Anyone with information, or who may have been in the area at the time, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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