Bayside Council votes to investigate options for heightened security at Dendy St bathing boxes after thieves and vandals target tourist spot

A bayside council has voted on a proposal to heighten security measures at an iconic Melbourne tourist attraction as thieves and vandals wreak havoc.

Brighton’s Dendy St Beach Boxes could be getting CCTV and new lighting to reduce vandalism and thefts. Picture: Tracey Nearmy.

Burglars at Brighton Beach’s iconic bathing boxes have been put on notice, as a proposal to investigate the installation of lights and CCTV to protect the tourist hotspot was passed.

Bayside Council debated a motion at Tuesday night’s meeting in an effort to protect the Dendy St Bathing Boxes, which draw more than a million tourists to the beach each year.

The proposal – brought by deputy mayor Alex del Porto – was in “response to reports of burglary and vandalism” at a number of the boxes.

On Tuesday night, Mr del Porto told the council reports of attempted burglaries had significantly increased.

“An owner informed me that we’ve had 20 break in attempts over the last few weeks,” he said.

“Over three nights 13 boxes were successfully broken into. It’s an ongoing situation.”

Councillor Hanna El Mouallem agreed, saying the council had a “responsibility to protect tourists and residents and to preserve the boxes”.

The proposal to investigate heightened security measures was voted through, with only councillor Clarke Martin disagreeing.

“I would much prefer the employment of a security guard,” he said.

Bayside Acting Superintendent Cath Wilkins told the Herald Sun the police worked “collaboratively to address local community concerns” around the boxes.

“We understand how much they are loved by locals,” she said.

“We are always looking at what could be done to strengthen measures to reduce damage to the bathing boxes.”

Dr Wilkins said there had only been four incidents reported to police in the last three years, with two criminal damage reports made in 2024, but investigations were continuing.

“While police encourage additional safety and security measures, the installation of CCTV in public places is ultimately a matter for the council,” she said.

The iconic beach boxes are visited by more than one million tourists every year, but have recently been targeted burglars.

Port Phillip Beach Box Association president Mark Davis said vandalism and anti-social behaviour was a “huge issue” around the bay.

“Everyone — from Brighton to Rosebud — is suffering at the moment,” Mr Davis said.

“People no longer feel safe on the beaches, even during the day.”

CCTV and lighting would bring “community comfort” and if introduced at Dendy St would “no doubt” spread to other beaches with the structures, he said.

However, the move would have to be handled sensitively.

“It’s a delicate balancing act between protection and privacy,” Mr Davis said.

“The positioning of the cameras would have to take into account people using the space, especially children and bathers.”

The Dendy St structures are the only beach boxes heritage listed in Victoria due to their longevity.

“They’ve been around since the 1900s and are a unique and hugely popular tourist attraction,” Mr Davis said.

“(Novak) Djokovic head there for photos every time he wins an Australian Open.

“They are very special and any change would need to take that into account.”

The Bayside Council will vote at the August 20 meeting on a proposal to investigate the installation of CCTV and lighting at the beachfront boxes.

Council Watch’s Dean Hurlston said the proposal was “reasonable”, with conditions.

“I think it’s a great idea to investigate, safety is a huge issue,” he said.

“The cost of the report will be important of course and I also think civil liberties and privacy shouldn’t be encroached upon in setting up further security.

“We should be championing public safety, it’s a huge community concern.”

Councillor Alex del Porto — who is bringing the motion forward — declined to comment ahead of Tuesday night’s meeting.

Now passed, the council is set to collate a report in collaboration with Heritage Victoria and Victoria Police as well as the Brighton Bathing Box Association.

The report is expected to be ready for a March 2025 meeting.

Anyone with information that may assist police is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or make an online report.