Teen brutally bashed for his clothes
teenager strolls into shot and calmly says “and the watch”. The young man hands it over.
Another man walks into frame, takes the shoes and the phone and walks off.
The one who demanded the watch asks the victim what is in his pockets. The victim says, “I have a lighter”.
“I want the lighter,” someone yells. The large group stars laughing.
“I took all your s--t bro,” one says as the teens walk off, leaving the young man shirtless and shoeless.
The harrowing vision showcases a growing problem on the Coast, of teens being bashed and robbed for their brandnamed clothes and other valuables. This year alone the Bulletin has written multiple stories about similar assaults and robberies throughout the Coast, from Nerang, Coomera and Helensvale.
Harrison Geppert, 17, who was stabbed to death this month, was being investigated for his involvement in a similar incident at a train station.
While the Edens Landing attack fell out of the reach of Gold Coast detectives, they are well aware of a number of such crimes committed in the city.
“That is a fairly serious incident at the higher end and we’ve had them (similar incidents on the Gold Coast),” Child Protection and Investigation Unit detective acting Inspector Chris Tritton said.
“They’re opportunist incidents and it’s people finding soft targets.
“There’s definitely incidents occurring away from (rail lines) as well. I know of some that have not occurred there.
“But, crime will occur where people congregate, obviously when you’re a juvenile you don’t have access to vehicles, so they’re close to transport hubs. Whether that be a bus or train station, shopping centres, wherever they congregate.”
Insp Tritton said police needed the help of the community to catch the offenders and help the victims.
“As long as we know about it, we’ll investigate it, as that incident has been. “We require the assistance of the public that if they see that to advise us and police will respond and take it seriously, because it is a serious matter … no one is downplaying how serious these are.”
If you know more about this incident or others, contact Chris McMahon at chris.mcmahon@news.com.au