A convenience store in Melbourne has been the target of fury online, after putting up a sign banning black teenagers from entry.
A photo of the sign was posted online by a resident identified only as Cam, which reads: "Because the 14-18 year old black always steal. Prohibit 14-18-year-old blacks and dogs into the shop. (sic)"
The Melton store owner said he put it up on impulse after a confrontation with a group of youths on Friday (local time).
"[Shoplifting happens] a lot of times," he told 7 News.
"Always black person... young boy, after playing soccer."
The shop owner released CCTV footage recorded earlier in the day which showed a group of eight young black people apparently intimidating the owner and shoplifting.
In the video several youths can be seen taking items off the shelves and stuffing them into their pockets.
"Don't touch this. Don't touch this, this is mine now," one told the shop owner.
On social media, the sign has been slammed as "racist", with one user saying: "This is disgusting."
The sentiment was echoed by Victoria Police, who called the message "inappropriate" and said they "do not support the language of the poster".
The shop owner has since taken the poster down.
Newshub.
