NINE teenagers enjoying an impromptu basketball match at Ballam Park were terrorised by thugs, 9pm, Friday 26 May.
The 16-17-year-olds were shooting hoops when six older men and a woman aged in their late teens-early 20s approached and grabbed a backpack.
The 16-year-old owner ran up and tried to retrieve the bag before falling to the ground and being dragged along. During the struggle another offender moved in and, fearing he would be punched, the teenager let go of the backpack.
At the same time, his mate ran in to defend him and was punched in the head.
The backpack, which contained a wallet, phone and personal papers, was later found empty on Cranbourne Rd near Karingal Drive.
The offenders were seen walking into Karingal Hub shopping centre.
Police said the woman in the group was heard to call out “Ben, don’t” to the bag snatcher.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or provide a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.
