Local teenagers should be aware of their surroundings but not scared after an attempted armed robbery outside McDonalds in Warragul on Wednesday afternoon.
Police said a 15-year-old youth was remanded in custody overnight after allegedly threatening a 14-year-old victim with a machete. The incident occurred at 4.12pm on the pedestrian ramp outside the takeaway food venue.
"Don't be scared, just be aware, be cautious," Warragul police senior sergeant Peter Watson said. "If they think there's something wrong, get out."
Sen sgt Watson said a small cohort of teenagers had been found responsible for armed robberies in recent times and, in this case, police had made a quick arrest.
"It's not an epidemic but it's starting to creep in around here," he added. "It's alarming for us (as police)."
His advice for teenagers was to travel in pairs or groups and be aware of their surroundings.
In Wednesday's incident, police allege the teenage offender held a machete towards the victim and demanded his mobile phone. The victim refused to hand over his phone and the offender allegedly dropped the machete before slapping the victim.
Police said a number of other youths gathered around the victim before they all left the scene. The 15-year-old was intercepted and held by security at Warragul Railway Station until police arrived.
He was arrested and charged with attempted armed robbery and weapon offences. The teenager will appear at Childrens' Court at a later date.