A convenience store owner is sparking outrage for banning black teens from his shop because, he claims, they “always steal.”

The unnamed owner of the Melton, Australia, shop affixed a sign to his store window on Friday that read: “Statement. Because the 14-18 year old black always steal. Prohibit 14-18-year-old blacks and dogs into the shop.”

He claimed he had no choice but to hang the hateful notice after a group of teens allegedly stormed his store earlier in the day and stole merchandise.

“[Shoplifting happens] a lot of times,” the owner told 7 News in Australia. “Always black person … young boy, after playing soccer.”

Victoria police said they “do not support the language of the poster” and deem “the message as inappropriate,” according to 3AW, which first reported the poster.

The sign has already been taken down – but not before creating a stir on Twitter.

“That is disgusting,” tweeted one user.

“What’s more sad is how many people are tweeting in support,” another Twitter user wrote.

Melton is an urban area within Melbourne, the continent’s second most populous city, after Sydney.