Dandenong’s drug and crime crisis back in the spotlight as businesses close
Brawls between gangs, public urination and drugs are continuing to plague a bus stop, turning the once-thriving retail area into a dangerous “ghetto”, a local trader says as calls to move the traffic interchange grow.
South East
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A once-thriving retail strip in Dandenong has become a “ghetto” with several businesses shutting up shop due ongoing crime in the precinct.
Stockdale & Leggo director Neil Butler told Leader the problematic bus interchange at the western end of Langhorne St needed to be “urgently relocated” and opened for public parking to revitalise the trouble-plagued strip.
The Greater Dandenong Leader last month 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.
Mr Butler said the bus stop was a “hotspot” for youth gang fights, drug taking, public urination and graffiti.
“There’s punch ons, there’s swearing, urination and drug taking – it’s unsafe,” he said.
“The area has become a ghetto – several businesses have closed down including the pharmacy recently which was here for 40 years and all the other surrounding buildings are now vacant.”
He said the area used to be one of the busiest trading areas in central Dandenong before the bus interchange opened in 2011.
“We now have police and paramedics here on a daily basis – it’s just shocking.”
Mr Butler urged Greater Dandenong Council to support the bus interchange’s relocation and install free public parking along the strip.
“Development Victoria were responsible for delivering the project at the time … they should work with the council to move it to empty public land in central Dandenong.
“If the intersection in Lonsdale St is reopened to cars, it will reduce the bottlenecks drivers are experiencing here,” Mr Butler said.
“This would also help provide access into the Hub Arcade, which is also suffering.
“After Leader’s first story was published on crime in the area it prompted me to get in touch with Cr Tim Dark to address the issues business were facing nearby.”
Cr Dark, who has been rallying for a drug and crime forum in recent months, said he was aware of ongoing discussions now taking place between police and the council to address crime issues.
“We desperately need more police in the precinct to deal with crime in central Dandenong and an investment of funds of several millions to invest in more lighting and CCTV,” Cr Dark said.
But Greater Dandenong Council acting community services director Tilla Buden said there were no plans to hold an alcohol and drug forum.
“Council and Victoria Police meet monthly and address public space issues in collaboration when they arise,” Ms Buden said.
She said the council had a comprehensive CCTV camera system installed across key public spaces and activity centres, including central Dandenong, and was investigating the need and logistics for expanding this.
“Council are seeking to meet with DOT to discuss current issues with the interchange and what options are available. We are currently awaiting a reply. Council is also advocating for Public Safety Officers/Transit Police to be stationed at the bus interchange.”
Greater Dandenong Local Area Commander Inspector Mark Langhorn said police had not seen an increase in reported crime or calls for assistance on Langhorne St.
“However, police in Dandenong regularly run operations and proactively patrol public transport hubs to address any anti-social or criminal behaviour, including along bus routes,” Insp Langhorn said.
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“Based on assessment of various sources of information and community concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour, mobile PSOs are deployed across the public transport network including trains, train stations, bus interchanges, bus stops at major shopping centres and trams,” he said.