Crime fears explode in Mildura as vigilante-style talk derails neighbourhood watch

A Mildura community effort to set up a Neighbour Watch to combat crime has been derailed after vigilante-style threats of violence

Organisers are urging residents to work with police and avoid taking vigilante action as frustrations over rising crime in Mildura continue to grow. Picture: Liam Beatty

A meeting to set up a neighbourhood watch in Mildura to help deal with rising property crime had to be cancelled after organisers received concerning vigilante-style comments, including threats of violence.

Mildura small business owner Leanne Perry had initially offered her shopfront on Wednesday night as an initial gathering space but cancelled due to a seeming lack of direction and inflammatory comments.

“Initially, I made the offer because we believe in community and we can see everybody’s frustration, but it got to the point where there wasn’t any clear direction, and also numbers wise it blew out,” Ms Perry said.

What was expected to be a quiet organised get together with less than 10 people ballooned as the idea gained social media traction.

“There was also a bit of vigilante talk—‘let’s go with pitchforks and shovels’ — and that’s just not the way it should be done,” Ms Perry said.

“I understand the frustration. I’m a small-business owner, but it is just not the way to go about things you don’t want to stoop to their level.”

Organisers have stressed the importance of working with Victoria Police to curb vigilante behaviour in the community. (AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy)

On social media posts promoting the meeting, one person wrote “an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth,” and another recommended “rabbit traps and electric fences” to ward off thieves.

Another person wrote: “Catch the little c--ts, cut one or two fingers off — job fixed.”

Ms Perry also flagged concerns about a seeming lack of police involvement.

“If it forms and becomes a positive and structured entity, I am happy to host the meetings, but while it is so up in the air, I think it is better off done in a bigger community space with a really positive energy,” she said.

“I hope it goes ahead because Mildura is in desperate need of something to be done with crime the way it is at the moment.”

A neighbourhood watch initiative has been derailed by vigilante-style comments. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Brendan Beckett

In the wake of the failed plans for a Wednesday get together, a plan for another catch up on Saturday at 11am at JC Park on the banks of the Murray River has been organised.

One of the initial people to flag the idea, Jannette Stevens, said she pitched the idea to make the streets a bit safer, educate people on how to keep their property safe, and help people communicate with their neighbours about safety.

“I am just a 64-year-old lady who just suggested we start a (neighbourhood watch) on social media and heaps of people are interested,” she said.

The Mildura community remains hopeful that police intervention will play a central role in tackling property crime. Picture: Supplied

“We are going to have a little get together on Saturday at JC Park at 11am. We have communicated with Bambi Gordon (chief executive of Neighbourhood Watch Victoria) to start an initial neighbourhood watch here in Mildura.”

A social media post from another person involved in promoting the meet up was very clear that vigilante behaviour would not be tolerated.

“This is an opportunity for people to come together in a mutual cause because of rising crime. Any calls for violence or vigilante action will NOT be tolerated, and the person asked to leave,” the social media post read.

A Victoria Police spokesman said they supported the initiative.

“Victoria Police works closely with Neighbourhood Watch in a collaborative effort to deter and reduce crime across local communities,” a police spokesperson said.

“Local police are supportive of a new Neighbourhood Watch group in Mildura and have provided advice and guidance to organisers.”