Dandenong crime crisis back in spotlight as drug use, violence plague Hemmings St
A park with a large playground and skateboard ramps has descended into a crime and drug-plagued “ghetto”, according to furious neighbours, who say a tent was set up by sex workers for business while people regularly shoot up in the area.
South East
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Dandenong residents have likened their neighbourhood to a “ghetto”, saying it’s marred by crime, violence and ongoing drug use.
The Leader has spoken to several residents and business owners in the Hemmings St precinct, who say the area has become “extremely dangerous”, with ongoing fights, drug users shooting up in broad daylight and ongoing thefts.
In February, the Greater Dandenong Leader launched its ‘Clean Up Dandenong’ campaign, urging Victoria Police and all levels of government to make the precinct safer by increasing police patrols, installing more security cameras and lighting and adding extra security personnel.
One resident, who asked not to be named in fear for her safety, said crime on Hemmings St was out of control and she was forced to call the police daily.
The woman has also sent photos to Leader, which show needles being scattered in the precinct and a “sex tent” set up in nearby Hemmings Park, which she says was being used by sex workers in the area.
“There were sleeping bags inside, along with a whole heap of condom wrappers. I reported the sex tent to the council along with photos,” she said.
“This is meant to a place for kids, with a large playground and skateboard ramps, it was there for almost four months, it was shocking.”
She said the area had become a “ghetto”.
“I frequently see people walking, stopping, shooting up and then going on their way. Many times they throw syringes over peoples fences,’’ she said.
“I also see a dealer turn up to the beggars on his bike and they exchange their collected money that people have given them for their drugs.”
One business owner, who asked not to be named, said fights and drug use was rampant in the precinct.
“We constantly have people come in that are drug affected, there’s been stabbings and ongoing fights — you name it,” he said.
“They need to get rid of the rooming houses in this area and clean it up urgently as the area has become extremely dangerous.”
He said the phone box on the corner of Hemmings and Weller streets, was being used for drug dealers and users.
The Leader also saw what appeared to be a drug deal taking place, with a man on his bike using the pay phone and then meeting someone at their car nearby.
A derelict house on Hemmings St, which the council boarded up in April after the Leader’s story, is still being plagued by junkies and has become a haven for dumped rubbish.
When the Leader visited the property on Monday, August 24, the side gate was open, with nearby neighbours confirming squatters had still been entering property.
Mayor Jim Memeti said the council had installed additional CCTV in the precinct, in response to community feedback.
“We’re improving the streetscape on Hemmings St to beautify the area with more trees and traffic calming devices, that’s under construction at the moment,” Cr Memeti said.
He said he would be calling for a drug and crime forum in Greater Dandenong.
“We need to start this up again, I have had several complaints about syringes, I’ve seen photos and I’ve sent council officers to clean it up,” he said.
Greater Dandenong councillor Tim Dark, who has been advocating for a drug and crime forum since February when Leader launched its campaign, said crime was out on control in the precinct.
“We need to adopt what Frankston Council has done, whether that means private security patrols or whether or not we look at setting up a base with full time police presence,” Cr Dark said.
Greater Dandenong Local Area Commander Inspector Mark Langhorn said police conducted regular proactive patrols of the area, which includes Hemmings St and the surrounding areas as part of Operation Tidal.
“We are aware this is a busy area, particularly given the proximity to the Dandenong CBD, and task our officers to patrol accordingly,” Insp Langhorn said.
He said police were working closely with the council and local residents to address any issues as they arise and were committed to ensuring that residents are safe and feel safe.
“Over the past few months we have seen a decrease in the number of calls for assistance in this area.
“However, as always, we encourage all members of the public to report any concerning activity or anti-social behaviours so that police can investigate to the fullest extent.”
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