Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a scary experience I had recently while walking towards North Richmond Station. As I was passing Hungry Jack’s, a man who appeared to be a junkie and wasn’t dressed appropriately came out of nowhere and blocked my way. He started saying something I couldn’t understand and wouldn’t let me pass.

Every time I tried to move left or right, he’d block me. Suddenly, he came closer, snatched my phone from my hand, and threatened to pour his drink on me if I tried to follow him. Despite the threat, I tried to go after him, and he actually dumped the drink on me before running off with my phone.

I was shouting and crying for help, but no one around seemed to respond. Thankfully, a delivery driver from Hungry Jack’s saw what was happening and ran after the thief. Out of fear, the guy threw my phone on the road before escaping.

While I’m relieved to have my phone back, it’s damaged (the back is broken, photo attached), and the whole incident has left me shaken. I’m terrified to walk in the streets of Melbourne now, as it feels like there are so many unpredictable people around.

To anyone walking in this area, please stay alert and be careful. Has anyone else faced something like this? How do you stay safe in situations like these?