Local Footscray businesses rally for funding to combat crime surge

Footscray business owners are calling for council funding to continue successful private security patrols, hoping to tackle the rampant crime wave.

Terrified Footscray business owners who have forked out tens of thousands of dollars for private security patrols hope the council will foot the bill going forward in a bid to combat the suburb’s rampant crime crisis.

A worker at CATTO security, who wished not to be named, told the Herald Sun he had paid $20,000 out of pocket for a security patrol trial which made an “undeniable difference” for locals.

“We worked with organisations to fix the (crime) crisis in Footscray,” he said.

“People don’t know how many incidents are really going on, the crime data does not reflect what is happening here.”

The six-week trial saw regular security patrols of Nicholson St and the surrounding area and amassed a wave of support from local businesses which are now seeking the funding for continued patrols.

Residents will meet with the Maribyrnong City Council on Wednesday in a bid to secure funding as anti-social behaviour, stabbings, a police shooting and a deadly bashing continues to send shockwaves through the community.

CATTO security guards with Maribyrnong Council Major Pradeep Tiwari. Picture: Facebook

Former Victoria Australian of the Year and Footscray resident Prof. Berhan Amhed has thrown his support behind the initiative and will be present for the meeting with the council.

“Businesses have been talking with each other and the council asking, why can’t they take action to protect the streets, the clients and the businesses?,” Prof. Ahmed said.

“The businesses are going bankrupt because of the safety on the streets, clients are not coming.

“The security was not just any security, they were locals, they knew the people and understood the people with mental health issues, it helped.

“The police only come when there is a crisis, they do not come here to patrol the street.”

Prof. Ahmed is confident that the tragic death of photographer Dominic O’Brien, who died in hospital after being attacked on Nicholson St by high court detainee Lominja Friday Yokoju back in June, could have been avoided if there had been patrols.

“It would not have happened,” Prof. Ahmed said, “security creates a sense of safety, people would think twice before they do anything.”

CATTO security guards protecting Footscray businesses from the suburb's crime crisis. Picture: Facebook

Alex Saoud and his brother co-owned Eleven: 11 cafe on Paisley St and were forced to shut down after being violently attacked while on the job back in June.

“We’re still in shock about what happened, it’s not safe and now my shop is gone,” Mr Saoud said.

“No one does anything for us, police are not coming, who is going to save me or my brother’s life?

“This time someone came in and bashed me, next time maybe someone comes in with a knife.”

While Mr Saoud conceded it was “too late” for his business, he agreed the security presence could benefit others.

The Maribyrnong City Council has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Local Footscray businesses rally for funding to combat crime surge