Police to increase patrols after alleged assault of grocery store owner

Following a violent assault on a Melbourne grocery store owner, police have significantly increased patrols in the city's west. The 60-year-old owner, Van Viet Truong, was left in a critical condition after being brutally beaten by a group of teenagers. Mr. Truong intervened in an attempted robbery at his neighboring store, leading to the attack on him by the group.

The five youths involved have been charged with various offenses, including affray, violent disorder, intentionally causing serious injury, and intentionally causing injury.

Local traders and community leaders have expressed their concerns over the incident, urging police to take more action in preventing such violent acts. Five western suburb mayors have joined forces to demand extended opening hours for police stations, targeting the frontline officers currently out on patrol. Acting Commander Troy Papworth has offered his sympathies to Mr. Truong and announced heightened police presence, particularly in areas of Sunshine, Footscray, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham, Brimbank, and Melton.

Mr. Papworth acknowledged the community's concerns regarding reduced hours for some local police stations, stating that the reduction was intended to free up officers for more active street patrols. Despite these adjustments, he emphasized that frontline patrols in the community have remained unaffected and have even been enhanced. The additional police presence aims to prevent crime and swiftly apprehend dangerous offenders, instead of officers being tied up at public counters during less frequented times.

As the five teenagers face court appearances, Mr. Truong's relatives have flown from Vietnam to support him during his recovery at Royal Melbourne Hospital. Mr. Truong, who has owned the grocery store for nearly 30 years with his wife, has been a respected figure in the local business community. Just days ago, he met with fellow business owners and local Labor MP Sarah Connolly to launch a mentoring program for local businesses. The five youths will return to court at a later date.