The Victorian government has announced safety initiatives in recent days, including expanding protective services officers patrolling shopping centres across the city.
The officers don't currently patrol Craigieburn Central in Melbourne's north, which was forced into lockdown on Thursday.
Police were told two groups of males, some armed with machetes, were seen arguing at the centre before fleeing the scene about 7.10pm.
There were also reports two gunshots were fired; there were no reports of injuries.
In response, there will be a visible police presence and patrols will be conducted in the area to reassure the community.
It's unclear if the centre will be added to an extension of Operation Pulse - which involves protective services officers patrolling shopping centres across the city - announced by Premier Ben Carroll and Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush.
Further shopping centres will be announced in October.
Hume City councillor Carly Moore would like to see protective services officers at council shopping centres, including Craigieburn.
She described the incident at the centre on Thursday as really frightening.
"I'm keen to understand how that could help support community safety in our area," she told AAP.
Ms Moore said crime was not isolated to Hume but was seen in communities and suburbs across the state.
"It does feel like things are out of control in many parts of our state," she said.
"I would be really keen to see consequences for actions and to see our emergency services and first responders have the resources that they need to keep our community safe."
Police Minister Paul Edbrooke on Friday unveiled a range of safety measures in Sunshine.
The Melbourne council areas of Sunshine and St Albans will receive the safety boost under an expansion of the $10 million Community Connectors Program unveiled by the Victorian government on Friday.
The program will be extended to areas such as Broadmeadows, in Hume, later in August.
Increased security measures will also be rolled out in councils in Melbourne's west to protect local businesses, workers and customers by making shopping strips and community spaces safer.
The move comes as Brimbank City Council tries to address the safety concerns of local traders following the death of Van Viet Truong, a beloved grocery store owner who was allegedly attacked by a group of youths in Sunshine.
Mr Truong died in hospital on August 5, leading to an outpouring of anger, sadness and distress in the community.
"The increased police presence, particularly in Sunshine, over the past week is a good start, but it can't be a short-term fix," Brimbank Mayor Virginia Tachos said.
"Our community needs this to continue."
A 15-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter over Mr Truong's death.
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