SECURITY measures at shopping centres in Albury-Wodonga will be increased following an attack on an Albury security guard on Monday.
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A 28-year-old security guard was assaulted by three men at the Centro Albury Smollett Street car park entrance just after 2pm.
Federation Centres, which owns Lavington Square, Wodonga Plaza, and Centro Albury, has been in discussion with SecureCorp about stepping up security.
A Federation Centres spokesman said the attack was “deplorable” and they would be reassessing their security processes.
“We are looking at a new strategy based around the patrol process where we pair people up and how to better ensure that people’s exposure to danger is reduced.
“We don’t like to go into too many details about security measures.”
It is understood the security guard was approaching the men, two on BMX bikes and one in a wheelchair, in the car park area when they began making racial comments.
The men became verbally aggressive and began thrusting their bikes and wheelchair at the security guard, as well as spitting and throwing a bottle of drink at him.
The men then began to punch the security guard, causing a cut lip and a graze to the side of the head.
Inspector David Cottee said it was good to see a number of other young people intervene.
“Up to eight young people came to the assistance of the guard and pushed the other three away from him,” Insp Cottee said.
“We applaud those young people who came to his assistance.”
Some of the youths who witnessed the incident have given statements, however police are appealing for the ones they haven’t yet interviewed to come forward.
“Police are trying to identify people involved, they are reviewing CCTV footage and are keen to speak to other witnesses,” insp Cottee said.
“We also want to thank them for their assistance.”