A family of five in Melbourne’s northern suburb of Thomastown is reeling after a frightening encounter with a group of teens armed with machetes who attempted a home invasion.

Faisal Nasim, 43, was jolted awake by loud banging on his door shortly before 6 a.m. today.

Outside, a group of teenagers had arrived in a white car and were aggressively demanding that Nasim hand over his car keys.

“They tried to break in again, then they just ran away,” Nasim recounted.

The potential intruders were ultimately deterred by a quick-thinking neighbor who called the police, causing them to flee the scene in their vehicle.

Authorities are still searching for the suspects and have appealed to the public for any information that could assist in their investigation.

“We urge any residents that have not yet been approached by police to review their CCTV cameras and come forward if they think they have information that can assist the investigation,” acting Senior Sergeant Steven Smith said.

It puts more focus on the Victorian government’s attempts to crack down on crime, especially on a machete and knife amnesty that is supposed to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals.

Despite claims from authorities that the measures are having an impact on crime, Nasim is sceptical.

“I feel like it’s not working. We have to be more hard on these [people],” he said.

“I want to work and I want to do things, and then these people come and try to ruin your life.”