Frankston crime: Ambassador residents, Davey St squatters arrested amid burglary spike
A raft of residents at Frankston’s troubled Ambassador complex have been arrested following a spate of crime in the CBD.
South East
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A raft of residents at Frankston’s troubled Ambassador complex have been arrested following a spate of crime in the area’s CBD.
Police swooped on eight Ambassador residents plus eight squatters in the notorious abandoned property at 8 Davey St as part of Operation Bentleigh which began on April 12.
A total of 42 people — 34 men and eight women — were pinged as part of the month-long sting, with the crackdown following a spike in night burglaries in the central Frankston region and Bayside Shopping Centre.
The majority of offenders — residing from the Mornington Peninsula through to Frankston, Casey and Kingston — were found with drugs such as ice or cannabis or weapons including screwdrivers and imitation handguns.
The hit comes after the infamous Ambassador complex — a once-exclusive hotel and venue for the most lavish weddings in Melbourne’s southeast — made headlines after becoming a “cesspit” for drug use and a hotspot for criminals fresh out of jail.
Last year homeless man David Kadir told the Leader he was “sick” of being “broke, ripped off and demoralised” in cheap share houses offered at the property, with some being rented at as little as $190 per week.
First Constable Stephanie Erceg said police patrols had been increased in the area, with officers also working with Frankston Council to board up the abandoned property on Davey St.
“It is of concern that 18 were found in possession of weapons in the Frankston CBD area however we assure the public that none of these offenders were known to have used these weapons on any persons,” First Constable told the Leader.
“Many (stated the weapons) were for protection which (police believe is) referencing to their criminal associates and enemies.”
More than 110 charges were laid as part of the bust including possess controlled weapon, possess drug of dependence, burglary and trafficking ice.
A total of 13 people were remanded with 15 released on summons, 12 released on bail and two on caution.
“We have spoken to the local shop owner and assured them we are proactively protecting the CBD and to contact us with any suspicious activity,” First Constable Erceg said.
“If you think you can come to this area to commit crime or carry weapons think again … we
will identify your offending and make you accountable before the court.”