Neighbours furious over ‘eyesore’ derelict properties in Dandenong
Dilapidated, squalid abandoned houses in once-peaceful suburban streets are drawing junkies, squatters and troublemakers. Angry neighbours and emergency services have had enough.
South East
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Furious neighbours of a derelict house in Dandenong say the eyesore has become a drug den and are calling on authorities to take immediate action.
The vacant house at 45 Cleeland St is near the bustling Dandenong Market visited by thousands of families every week, and neighbours say it’s become a “haven for junkies, drug dealers and squatters”.
Their call for a clean-up comes as police investigate fires at three derelict Dandenong properties, also believed to be occupied by squatters.
Paul, who did not want his surname published, said he had seen syringes scattered outside the Cleeland St property and noticed “nefarious characters” coming and going at all times of day.
“It’s obvious that drug dealers and users are swarming this property — I’ve been complaining to the council for months to take action but it’s fallen on deaf ears,” he said.
“It’s a real danger to the community and we just want the council to put pressure on the property owner to do something about it immediately.”
Greater Dandenong Council city planning, design and amenity director Jody Bosman said the council had slapped the owner with a clean-up order.
“Infringement notices will be issued to the property owner in the event of failure to comply,” Mr Bosman said.
“The appropriate action under the building regulations is also in place, taking into account the need to secure the property.”
Drug paraphernalia and evidence of squatters were discovered at an abandoned Stud Rd ambulance depot that caught fire on July 4, an abandoned Pickett St house that burned on July 7 and an abandoned Scott St house found ablaze the following day.
Police believe the Scott St fire started accidentally, but investigations into the cause of the other fires are still underway.
A Greater Dandenong Crime Unit spokesman said all three buildings were poorly secured.
“Police encourage all owners to keep derelict properties secure to limit access to squatters or people who use them to do drugs.”
The Dandenong CFA was called out to the Scott St unit three hours before it went up in flames to find a squatter had lit up a steel drum to keep warm.
Acting Commander Josh Redfern joined police in calling on owners to secure vacant buildings.
“Keeping these properties properly secured will make the community safer,” he said.
Mr Bosman said the council received an average of two reports a month about derelict buildings.
“The site is inspected and if it is found to be derelict the council issues an order to the property owner to hoard up the building,” Mr Bosman said.
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“If the property is found to be unsightly and posing a safety or fire risk the council will issue an order to the property owner to clean up the building.
“Infringement notices will be issued to the property owner if they fail to comply.”
A government spokesman said the Department of Health and Human Services and Ambulance Victoria were working to ensure the Stud Rd site was safe and secure while its future uses were determined.