Fake robbery, real charges

By Kath Gannaway
CHARGES are likely to be laid over a prank involving a fake gun and a group of local teenagers in Healesville last week.
The Mail has been told one shopkeeper in Healesville Walk was frightened and distressed when a young person wearing a balaclava came into her shop and demanded money, claiming he had a gun in his pocket.
She said she was alone in the shop just before closing time and was shocked at what she at first believed was a genuine hold-up.
The woman who asked not to be named, said she was trembling and frightened when the person told her he was there to rob the shop.
“He said ‘I have a 9mm in my pocket’ and when I said I didn’t have any money he said “give me the best steak you’ve got.”
Another local businessman said he was bailed up by a person in a balaclava as he was about to enter his shop.
He said his first reaction was that it was a prank, and dismissed a demand from the person that he empty out his pockets.
“I asked him to repeat the question,” he said.
“He took half a step towards me and repeated it so I just said ‘that’s not going to happen … let’s go to plan B’.”
He said it was a prank that could easily have gone wrong and was stupid and disappointing.
The woman said one of the group involved came back into her shop after the incident and apologised, saying it was a dare and that his friend was getting paid to do it.
Healesville police are investigating the matter and say charges are likely to be laid.