Stolen LandCruiser Sparks Chaos Inside Melbourne Shopping Centre
A man from East Melbourne has been taken into custody after a stolen Toyota LandCruiser was driven through Northland Shopping Centre in Preston.
Police Pursue Stolen SUV Through Centre Aisles
Police were alerted to a stolen four-wheel drive near the shopping centre just after 4pm on Wednesday. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver forced his way through by ramming into a police car. He then drove straight through the centre’s walkways and smashed through two sets of glass doors before escaping. The vehicle narrowly missed a steel bollard near one exit while shoppers fled in all directions.
BREAKING: An allegedly stolen car has ploughed through Northland Shopping Centre during a wild police pursuit. The driver is still on the run. #breakingnews #carcrash #northland #melbourne #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/xTzqtMsVxa
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) June 18, 2025
Abandoned Vehicle Found in Northcote
Roughly an hour later, authorities discovered the abandoned vehicle on Beavers Road in Northcote. Investigators linked the LandCruiser to a theft reported from Ivanhoe East on 2 June. Overnight enquiries led to the arrest of a 27-year-old man early Thursday. Police also seized a device used to reprogram car keys. Investigators believe this tool allowed the suspect to steal the vehicle without needing physical access to the original keys.
Electronic Device May Have Enabled Theft
The electronic key programmer has raised further concerns over high-tech car thefts across Melbourne. Detectives are interviewing the suspect, and no other individuals are being sought in relation to the event. Police confirmed the man had acted alone during the incident.
Shoppers Describe Frightening Moments
Multiple shoppers recalled confusion and fear as the vehicle drove through the centre. A retail worker said she heard screams before seeing the car rush past the shopfront. Another customer said she initially thought a fight had broken out before seeing the SUV speeding past her. She said the experience left her shocked. Another man said people scattered as the vehicle smashed through the first set of glass doors.
No Physical Injuries but Several Treated for Shock
Ambulance teams attended the centre and assessed two individuals. One person was transported to hospital for treatment due to shock. Others, including a woman on site, were treated at the scene. Bystanders said they focused on making sure everyone was unharmed. Emergency services confirmed no physical injuries occurred during the incident, which could have ended far worse.
Recurring Safety Concerns at the Centre
This incident followed a separate violent confrontation at the same shopping centre weeks earlier involving machetes. That incident prompted a statewide ban on machete sales in Victoria. A local shopper said recent events had increased public unease in the area. Several tenants reportedly closed early following the incident while others resumed normal trade under police supervision.
Operator Confirms Centre Remained Open
The centre’s management confirmed the location was not closed following the event. Two car park entries and some businesses were temporarily shut to support police. A company spokesperson confirmed that safety remains their top concern and that the centre is operating under normal hours. Security presence was increased on Thursday to reassure shoppers and workers.
Security Infrastructure Under Scrutiny
Rodger Watson, a security expert from the University of Technology Sydney, said the incident highlights weaknesses in barrier and bollard standards across Australia. He explained that while some bollards serve decorative or traffic flow purposes, others are reinforced to stop fast-moving vehicles. He recommended using anchored planter boxes or sculptures to improve safety without creating fortress-like environments. Watson said public infrastructure should serve both safety and design goals effectively.
Second Evacuation Caused by Electrical Fault
On Thursday, a separate evacuation occurred due to a smoking light fixture. Emergency services attended and resolved the issue quickly, with no reported injuries from the second event. Centre staff worked with emergency responders to clear the affected area swiftly.
Police Continue Inquiries Following Incident
Investigators remain at Northland Shopping Centre as they continue collecting evidence. The man remains in custody as officers examine the device used to access the vehicle. The Melbourne shopping centre car incident has intensified focus on public safety and infrastructure at retail locations across the city. Officials say more changes to centre security protocols could follow once investigations are complete.
