A 25-year-old Mount Waverley woman was stabbed inside the M-City Shopping Centre in Melbourne's southeast at 7.50am on Thursday when she was allegedly attacked by a 16-year-old boy in a random attack. CCTV footage shows the woman walking through the centre when the teenager approached from behind and stabbed her in the back before fleeing down the escalator.
A passerby assisted the female and contacted Triple Zero. The 25-year-old Mount Waverly woman was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition. She was on her way to work at the time, according to reporting from 9News and 7News.
The male fled the area but was arrested a short time later at medical centre in Clayton. The 16-year-old boy, from the Stonnington area, remains in custody and will be interviewed by police. A 16-year-old boy, who allegedly stabbed a woman walking to work, was out on bail and has since been charged with theft, intentionally and recklessly cause injury, and possessing and assault with a weapon.
The teenager's bail status has become central to public concern about the case. According to reported crime statistics, police arrested 1223 children a combined 6997 times in 2025, with an average of four youth gang members arrested everyday. A record number of machetes and knives were also seized across that period. Bail refusals and revocations increased at the Magistrates Court and Children's Court in 2025, which Police Minister Anthony Carbines said was evidence the laws are having an effect.
Victoria's latest crime statistics showed another increase in criminal activity across Victoria in 2025, with youth offenders fuelling the rise. While overall crime is still trending upwards, police say growth is beginning to stabilise following years of sharp increases. But a major reduction is unlikely in the near future, deputy commissioner regional operations Bob Hill said on Thursday.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppers.vic.com.au.