Large crowd gathers for St Kilda’s ‘community walk for more police resources’

Hundreds of people have joined a community rally calling on the state government to improve community safety and “fix the broken justice system”.

The rally was organised in response to concerns over youth crime in Port Phillip. Picture: Josie Hayden

Hundreds of frustrated Port Phillip locals hit the streets of St Kilda on Monday night, demanding an increase in police resources in an impassioned bid to bolster community safety.

The Monday evening community rally saw fed up residents walk from the St Kilda sports club on Fitzroy St to the Acland Street Village via the Esplanade.

Attendees were heard loudly chanting “what do we want? Safety. When do we want it? Now!” as keen onlookers clapped and cheered.

Rally organiser and popular St Kilda local Suzi said the rally was a “community walk for more police resources.”

People marched through the streets of St Kilda on Monday night. Picture: Josie Hayden

The attendees walked from the St Kilda sports club on Fitzroy St to the Acland Street Village via the Esplanade. Picture: Josie Hayden

People voiced concerns over youth crime. Picture: Josie Hayden

There have been calls for more police resources in the suburb. Picture: Josie Hayden

“The community walk is our chance to stand together and demand more police resources to protect our streets and restore safety,” she said.

“(Crime) hasn’t gotten so bad, police basically just don’t come anymore.”

“It’s not their fault, they just don’t have the resources.

“We’ve come together to show the police that as a community we’re on their side.

“We want the state government to give police the proper resourcing they need because they just don’t have it.”

Fellow organiser James Radalj said it was time “to fix the broken justice system”.

“Offenders are getting bail and walking the streets without consequences, and youth crime is spiralling out of control in Victoria.

“We’ve had enough and now it’s time for action.”

Originally published as Large crowd gathers for St Kilda’s ‘community walk for more police resources’