Feral youths in Frankston CBD are ‘scary’ and ‘frightening’, say fed-up business operators
They’re drinking, swearing and fighting on the streets of Frankston, terrorising shoppers and traders — and some are just 12 years old. So what’s being done to stop the “mayhem and havoc”?
South East
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Feral youths and children as young as 12 are wreaking havoc in central Frankston and driving away shoppers, according to fed-up traders.
Business operators claim frequent drinking, fighting and swearing in the streets is getting out of control.
“They are a nightmare — they’re just lawless,” store owner Natalie Waterworth said.
“They have the attitude that authorities will give them a slap on the wrist and tell them to go home.”
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Ms Waterworth said some viewed being placed in a police van as a “badge of honour”.
She said the youths’ behaviour was frightening.
Traders said authorities had put the issue in the “too-hard basket”.
“People feel intimidated by them — the swearing, drinking and carrying on,” a trader, who didn’t want to be named, said.
“These kids need somewhere to go and guidance.”
Frankston Traders’ Association president John Billing said it was essential traders, staff and shoppers felt safe.
“Many of these youths need guidance, support and help to find their calling in life,” he said.
Frankston councillor Steve Toms recently convened a meeting between traders and council officials to discuss the problem.
“We are seeing an attitude from young people who don’t have anything better to do with their time than hang around Frankston and create mayhem and havoc,” he said.
“It’s unacceptable and not what our city centre should be about.”
The traders said more police patrols, particularly in the Station St Mall area, were desperately needed.
Senior Sergeant Warren Francis-Pester, of Frankston Police, said officers were working with the council and businesses.
“We task people to work there — we are working with the council and traders to ensure public order exists there,” he said.
Sen-Sgt Francis-Pester said officers regularly patrolled the area, which is close to the train station.
Traders, the council and other bodies are due to meet in mid June to again discuss the issue and plan action to address it.