A group of African youths have stormed an electronics store in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, assaulting staff and stealing headphones.

Neil Mitchell revealed Darebin police are investigating the theft which occurred at JB Hi-Fi at Northland in Preston on Saturday.

Police say nine males of African appearance, believed to be aged between 15 and 22, entered the store about 2.30pm and tried to leave without paying.

When staff tried to stop them a male staff member was hit in the face and a female staff member pushed aside.

“It is frightening in its arrogance,” Neil said.

“It seems to be committed with no fear or concern for people or consequences.”

Caller Jacqui then notified Neil of another theft, which was first heard on The Rumour File earlier in the morning.

Ross and John were told a group of youths walked into a shopping centre in the south eastern suburbs, put on clothing and left without paying.

Victoria Police confirmed it was about 4.30pm on Sunday when a group of six youths entered the Kathmandu store at Fountain Gate in Narre Warren and stole a number of jackets.

The latest spate of crimes prompted Neil to consider New Zealand’s latest plan to deal with youth crime.

NZ PM Bill English has promised to create a bootcamp for youth offenders at the country’s main army camp, training alongside regular soldiers.

“I don’t think we should have compulsory national service for young offenders but this is something different, it seems to be working with the army rather than for the army,” he said.

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