Community leaders slam racist letters delivered to Montmorency homes and businesses

A RACIST letter asking people to make a note when they see African or Sudanese people on the streets and tell police has been distributed to businesses and homes in Montmorency.

A VILE and racist letter has been distributed to businesses and homes in Montmorency after a petrol station break-in.

The typed note, littered with grammatical errors, was dropped off at businesses along Were St yesterday (Thursday, July 5), in the wake of an armed robbery at the BP service Station on Rattray Rd.

“These Sudanese and African people (call it APEX if you like) are terrorizing (sic) businesses and resident’s (sic) right across Melbourne. Don’t let Montmorency become the next suburb these thugs and disrespectful mongrels invade for their own needs and agenda’s (sic),” it read.

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“Every time you see one of these people walking the streets, in particular WEIR (sic) street and around this area — make a note.

Part of the letter sent to Montmorency Village traders on Were St.

“I guarentee (sic) you, they are looking for their next target by parusing (sic) the area and by

scoping out what businesses and individuals may be vulnerable.”

The letter goes on to say: “stuff political correctness. Stuff so called racism. And stuff being dictated to by a bunch of people who have no respect for hard working Aussies like you and me”.

The letter is believed to have been sent to nearby homes too.

Montmorency Village spokeswoman Yvette Standfield said the letter was “strategically” dropped to traders that were caucasian, by a man aged in his 40s.

“This person dropped the letter to all the businesses, excluding the Asian businesses, which is strange,” Ms Standfield said.

“People have questioned whether it was from someone in Monty because it seemed so out of character for the area and it’s a tight-knit community.”

Banyule mayor Mark Di Pasquale said there was no room for the “racist” letter in the community.

Were St, Montmorency, where the racist letter has been distributed. Picture: Josie Hayden

“I don’t think the Montmorency community would tolerate that sought of malicious letter,” Cr Di Pasquale said.

“We don’t have any race issues, we don’t have gangs and I’m proud our community looks out for each other.”

Eltham state Labor MP Vicki Ward has taken to Facebook to slam the letter.

“Please be alert — there is a racist, anonymous letter being distributed in Monty regarding the horrible attack on a well respected local business (the BP),” Ms Ward wrote.

“There is no place for racism in our community. If you receive this note at your home, please just chuck it in the recycling bin.

“Eltham Police has been alerted and a copy of this note has been sent to Heidelberg police.”

Police are investigating after the “offensive letter” was distributed.

“Every Victorian has the right to feel safe and secure in the community and Victoria Police will not tolerate any attempts to incite hatred based on cultural background, religious beliefs, sexuality, gender or age,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

“Anyone with information about the armed robbery or witnesses any other criminal behaviour is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”