The Regal boarding house in St Kilda dubbed ‘the new Gatwick’ as crime spirals out of control

CRIME has spiralled out of control near a St Kilda boarding house that embattled neighbours have dubbed “the new Gatwick”. And it’s prompted calls for tougher security, as police ramp up patrols in the area.

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DRUG use, assaults and prostitution have spiralled out of control near a St Kilda boarding house that embattled neighbours have dubbed “the new Gatwick”.

A huge dossier detailing crimes and unsavoury behaviour, compiled by frustrated neighbours of The Regal over the past two months and seen by the Leader, shows people are living in fear.

And police have confirmed a surge in calls from distressed residents around Little Grey, Dalgety, Burnett and Fitzroy streets.

More than 200 incidents have so far been recorded in the dossier, including:

— A PROSTITUTE exposing herself to a 12-year-old boy on the corner of Dalgety and Grey streets.

— A DRUG-AFFECTED man trying to break into an apartment on Dalgety St with a mallet.

— SCREAMS in Little Grey St prompting a woman to look outside her window where a man saw her and made a gun gesture with his hand before aiming it at her and pulling the “trigger”.

A syringe in a laneway off Little Grey St, St Kilda. Picture: Penny Stephens

The escalating crime has prompted calls for tougher security, including 24-hour guards at the entrance to the 49-room boarding house on Little Grey St.

Friends of St Kilda Hill convener Darren Robinson told the Leader the community was “being destroyed by what’s going on”, including daily exposure to drug use, violence and verbal abuse.

“We’ve lived here fairly peacefully for 11 or 12 years and never seen anything like this before,” he said.

“Kids used to play cricket in the laneway most afternoons but they haven’t now for three months.

“This is not the St Kilda I know; it might have been the St Kilda near the Gatwick but not at this end.”

Mr Robinson said terrifying incidents included rocks being thrown at residents’ cars, fences set alight, and daylight drug deals out of car windows.

One Dalgety St resident reported having his home broken into and his phone stolen.

He later tracked it to The Regal using the “Find My Phone” app.

Port Phillip Inspector Jason Kelly said there had been a spike in calls from people living near The Regal and neighbouring 25-room Beach House.

The Regal in St Kilda. Picture: Penny Stephens

He said “securing the front door” of The Regal, which is managed by Port Phillip Housing Association, was key to stemming the tide of crime.

“Our recommendation is to have a full-time manager at The Regal because ... until they take ownership of that front door in terms of not allowing people in who shouldn’t be in there, these issues will continue,” he said.

“Control of the front door is key to reducing incidents both within The Regal and within the vicinity.”

Insp Kelly said police had increased patrols of the area and had “swept through” the rooming house on several occasions to find people wanted on warrants.

Police had also helped the Port Phillip Housing Association evict residents who had breached house rules.

Port Phillip Inspector Jason Kelly says police have increased patrols in the wake of increased crime in St Kilda near The Regal. Picture: Chris Eastman

Association chief executive Haleh Homaei told the Leader 18 people had been evicted for “bad behaviour” in the past couple of months.

She said they were working to “bring peace back” to the area, but it would take longer than residents wanted.

“There is no quick fix, and I don’t believe in band-aid solutions,” she said.

“I am not sitting here ignoring concerns but this is a complex issue and ... 24/7 security is only a temporary measure, it’s not going to be sustainable.”

Ms Homaei said meetings with other support agencies, police and the council began in December in response to increased complaints.

Port Phillip Housing Association chief executive Haleh Homaei says there is no quick fix to problems at The Regal but the group is working to restore peace. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Since then, she said, visiting hours had been reduced at The Regal, CCTV cameras in common areas had been upgraded and security patrols were sent out twice each night.

Ms Homaei said the rooms left vacant after residents were evicted had not been filled and were boarded up to prevent squatters moving in.

“It is my job to house people, not to kick them out but when they breach the rules that’s what will happen,” she said.

“But I can’t kick them out for having visitors. They have rights, too.”

Ms Homaei said further measures had been put in place to address the issues in the medium to long term.

An office is due to be built at the site in the next six weeks, which will be staffed by the association during working hours.

There are also plans to upgrade the rooms and turn them into self-contained units with private kitchens and bathrooms.

The Regal has been likened to the former Gatwick Hotel, which had a history of crime and anti-social behaviour.

Ms Homaei said once the rooms were converted — which is likely to take 12 to 18 months — the building would provide housing for people aged over 55.

“I think that should help with calming the place down a bit,” she said.

“I understand it’s not pleasant for neighbours and families but the issues extend far beyond one property and cannot be solved by one person or organisation alone.

“We are dealing with people who need a need a roof over their head and they have human rights too.”

Albert Park State Labor MP and Housing Minister Martin Foley have been contacted for comment.