Community meeting called to act on youth crime across Western Port
After enduring another summer of vandalism and petty crime Mornington Peninsula residents are taking action.
South East
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Frustrated Western Port locals are banding together to stop bored youths wreaking havoc across their towns.
A community meeting will be held in Somerville on Wednesday to hear residents’ concerns and discuss solutions.
The gathering is being organised by Western Port Neighbourhood Watch and was prompted by a summer crime wave.
Western Port Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Amanda Lynch said graffiti, vandalism and nuisance crime, including theft from cars, had surged over December and January.
“We always see a spike in petty crime over the summer, but this year was particularly bad,” Ms Lynch said.
“You see groups of bored kids wandering the streets and through the shopping centre.
“There’s not a lot for them to do and they end up getting into trouble.
“We need to find a way to engage with our young people and offer them meaningful alternatives.”
Ms Lynch said the meeting was a chance for residents to share their stories and “be part of the solution”.
“This isn’t about criticising the police,” she said.
“There’s a limit to what police can do, given the age of these kids. I think they’re frustrated as well.
A call out on social media revealed Somerville had been hit hard by vandals over the summer with damage including bus shelters smashed, road signs ripped from the ground and graffiti along the train line and on private property.
Residents also reported having their cars broken into and at least one family moved out of the area after their 12 year old son was repeatedly attacked by teens at Somerville McDonalds.
The Leader understands some fed up locals have stopped reporting petty crime to police and were instead planning walking groups to protect their neighbourhoods.
“It’s understandable. But it’s not the answer,” Ms Lynch said.
“We need to tackle these issues in a legal and positive way.”
Bittern DJ Peter de Wever, who helps run Hastings Blue Light Discos for primary school aged children, said it was crucial to “catch kids early”.
“It’s too late when they’re 15 and 16,” he said.
“We need to get them on board when they’re young,”
“You get to know the kids and build a rapport with them. They’re more likely to listen and pay attention if you call them out when you see them doing something they shouldn’t.”
The community meeting is on Wednesday at Somerville Mechanics Hall, 66 Station Street from 6.30-8.30pm.
Register here.
