Man who almost lost hand in machete attack questions security measures | 7.30

Key Concepts:

• Machete attack at Central Square Shopping Center in Altona Meadows, Melbourne
• Increased security measures in shopping centers
• Limited powers of security guards
• Machete ban in Victoria
• Use of metal detectors by police in Queensland
• Role of security companies and shopping center management in ensuring safety
• Impact on victim's life and visa status

Attack and Victim's Ordeal:

• Sarab Anand, 33, was allegedly attacked by a group of teenage boys at Central Square Shopping Center in Altona Meadows.
• The attack occurred around 8:00 PM on a Saturday night.
• Sarab's hand was nearly severed in the machete attack. "My hand was literally hanging there with my skin."
• Four teenagers, aged 14-15, have been charged in connection with the attack.
• Sarab expressed disbelief at still having his hand, attributing it to an "instinctive reaction or safety mode."
• He underwent surgery involving stitches, screws, and plates to reattach his hand.
• Sarab is on a temporary visa and has limited support. His mother flew from India to support him.
• The attack has left Sarab traumatized and scared to leave his home.
• He requires ongoing medical support and is concerned about his visa expiring.

Community and Police Response:

• Local traders and shoppers were shaken by the incident. "It's very dangerous. You're not you're not safe anywhere anywhere."
• Victoria Police increased patrols in the area following the attack.
• Queensland Police are using handheld metal detectors to search for weapons in public places. 11,500 people scanned in a fortnight resulting in 77 weapons found.
• Victoria Police Minister Anthony Carbines stated they have given Victoria Police expanded stop and search powers.

Shopping Center Security and Machete Ban:

• The Shopping Center Council of Australia acknowledged knife crime as an issue.
• A key problem is people bringing dangerous knives and weapons to shopping centers with the intent to use them.
• The Victorian government brought forward a machete ban to September following a brawl involving machetes at Northland Shopping Center in May.
• There are concerns about whether the machete ban is sufficient to control all weapons. "You can name one weapon as a machete. What if the next one comes out to be called as something else?"
• Central Square Shopping Center employs only one full-time security guard, working until 7:30 PM, according to traders.
• Central Square Shopping Center management declined to comment on security measures.
• Local florist Igl Musa believes security needs to be increased, especially during school holidays.

Security Guard Powers and Training:

• The CEO of the peak body for security companies in Australia, Brian Dary, suggests classifying security guards as frontline workers to give them the power to detain individuals obstructing their duties.
• Currently, security guards have limited powers, primarily to observe, report, deter, and detect crime.
• Security consultant Luke Percy Dove notes that some security companies are reluctant to train their guards to intervene due to the risk of overstepping and potential liability. "If they overstep, use too much force in proportionate to whatever was occurring and somebody gets injured, you know, that brings risk to the shopping center operator, creates risk for the provider of the security officers. So, it gets messy."
• Westfield shopping centers have implemented body-worn cameras for security guards as a deterrent and for protection.

Shopping Center Security Measures and Disclosure:

• Disclosing security operations is considered a sensitive matter.
• Center Group (Westfield) and Vicinity Centers (Northland, Chadston) declined interview requests regarding security measures.

Conclusion:

The machete attack on Sarab Anand highlights the issue of safety in shopping centers and the limited powers and training of security guards. While measures like increased police patrols, machete bans, and metal detectors are being implemented, questions remain about the effectiveness of these measures and the responsibility of shopping center management and security companies in ensuring customer safety. The incident has had a profound impact on Sarab's life, raising concerns about his visa status and access to ongoing medical care. The incident highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to security, involving increased security presence, enhanced training and powers for security guards, and proactive measures to prevent weapons from entering shopping centers.