Neighbours fuming over drug den derelict property in Dandenong
A run-down house metres from a primary school has become a magnet for junkies, squatters and troublemakers, enraging neighbours in the once-peaceful suburban Dandenong street — with one even moving as a result.
South East
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Furious neighbours of a derelict house in Dandenong say the eyesore has become a haven for drug users and are calling on authorities to clean it up.
The dilapidated house is metres from Dandenong West Primary School, with children walking past it daily.
Mahmut Kahraman, who owns properties in a nearby street and previously lived in the area for more than 20 years, said he was forced to move out due to his family feeling “constantly unsafe”.
“When I moved here this area was a good neighbourhood but in the past five years it’s become so bad – there is drug users, fires lit in abandoned houses and it is generally unsafe,” Mr Kahraman said.
“When I built these units here – the initial plan was for my family to move in but my daughters cried and begged me not to come back.”
He said his current tenants had complained on several occasions about the derelict house after several fires were lit in the backyard.
“The fire was so big and the smell of smoke was so strong – it was really bad. They’re seeing about 10 to 15 people coming in and out of this house.
“Another abandoned house nearby also burnt down last year and I’m scared the same thing will happen.”
Mr Kahraman said neighbours had called the police and council several times, but no action had been taken.
“We need the police and council to take immediate action and clean up this area – if they don’t I’m scared someone will get hurt.”
Another neighbour, who lives nearby, said he had called police several times about the derelict house.
“We have seen people coming and going at all hours. There’s squatters and people injecting at the front. I’ve also seen multiple cars stopping for drug deals,” he said.
“We are also concerned about several rooming houses in the area – it’s attracting these type of people here.”
Greater Dandenong Local Area Commander Inspector Mark Langhorn said police conducted regular proactive patrols of the area, which includes Hemmings St and surrounds as part of Operation Tidal.
“Local police have not seen an increase in reported crime or calls for assistance on Hemmings Street, Dandenong,” Insp Langhorn said.
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“Police in Dandenong also work closely with the local council to identify and address any issues around abandoned or vacant houses in the community.
“Police were not notified of a bonfire that was lit in the rear yard of a property on Hemmings St and encourage the community to contact Triple-zero if they are concerned about any suspicious activity.”
The Leader visited the property on Thursday after contact several neighbours who said they had been complaining to the council and police for almost a year.
Several people were inside the property appearing to take drugs with a pipe and empty liquor bottles were scattered through the front yard.
Police and the council are aware of the property and Leader understand the council is pursuing demolition.
Greater Dandenong Council city planning, design and amenity director Jody Bosman said the council was aware of the property and had issued a building order to hoard up openings and fence the front.
“The building is owned by a deceased estate and the legal representative on the title has been contacted,” Mr Bosman said.
“Greater Dandenong Council works closely with Victoria Police on a range of matters and
supports their proactive patrols of the area.”