Police crack down on squatters in prime Frankston CBD locations amid inferno fears
Families are deserting a once-bustling part of the Frankston CBD, which is now overrun by criminals and junkies, with parents too afraid to take their kids to the local Maccas. It comes as a beefed-up police presence has a network of squatters on the run.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Local families are avoiding a prime area of Frankston CBD overrun by squatters, criminals and junkies.
The Nepean Highway area, once a bustling family friendly spot, has become a cesspit of drugs and dodgy behaviour since the cinema, a popular tavern and the former Pancake Parlour closed down years ago.
Even a McDonald’s operating in the area is now a no-go zone for families.
Frankston mum Claire Seabury said she stopped taking her family to the area after she noticed an increase of “dodgy looking people”.
“It’s not somewhere I feel comfortable taking my children,” she said.
Frankston CIU are actively patrolling the area and searching vacant buildings looking for squatters.
The increased police presence has forced the squatters on the run.
Police understand a large group of squatters slept behind the DHHS building at 431 Nepean Hwy last night but have since moved on.
Police have begun a crackdown on hordes of squatters who have set up home in vacant prime beachside real estate in the middle of Frankston’s CBD.
The sophisticated squatter network was uncovered just last week by police after a spike in thefts and burglaries in the Nepean Highway area.
The squatters had converted the empty commercial buildings — which are still connected to power — into mini-communities complete with beds, kitchens, laundries and communal notices.
Notes pinned to walls urged squatters to dispose of drug needles safely “to avoid being named and shamed”.
Police issued 15 squatters with warnings for trespassing after moving them on from the site near the corner of the Nepean Highway and Wells St.
It comes after squatters were shifted from the old Pancake Parlour and Pint & Pickle Tavern also on the Nepean Highway.
Frankston crime investigation unit detectives found squalid conditions including rubbish, filthy mattresses and food strewn throughout the buildings.
Detectives will move on a second “main squat” in the coming days which is believed to be at the old Frankston cinema complex.
Police also believe squatters are inhabiting the old Savers building on Wells St.
MORE JETSETTING ACCOUNTANT STOLE 256K FROM BOSS
DRUGGIE EX-CHEF SENTENCED FOR ARMED ROBBERY
PARTY BOY VIGILANTES KIDNAPPED WRONG MAN
Frankston CIU boss detective Senior-Sergeant Steve Fyffe said the securely sheltered vacant properties complete with power were a “squatters’ paradise”.
He said police issued trespass warnings because of concerns for community safety.
“One of our main concerns was fire,” he said.
“If it’s cold and they light a fire, then it could spread to highly flammable materials and we could potentially have a life-threatening situation. They also use those little gas burners for cooking.
“We could end up with an inferno in the middle of Frankston CBD.”
Detective Sen-Sgt Fyffe said Frankston’s squatter issue was getting worse.
“We don’t have active offenders running around, but there has been an increase in crime,” he said.
“These people are living rough, they’ve forced their way into the abandoned commercial premises and business owners are securing the locations which have been damaged by squatters.”
Detective Sen-Sgt Fyffe said police notified support services whenever a squatter was moved on.
“We also give them information on where to get local support,” he said.
“Once we move them, on it becomes a matter for the council and the business owners.”
It’s understood a large majority of the Nepean Highway properties are owned by the same man.
Work has started at 490 Nepean Highway and other sites to secure the properties, including alarm and CCTV camera installation, fixing locks and installing secure fencing.
A Nepean Highway shop assistant, who did not want to be named, said the back of the cinema complex was a “no-go zone”.
“There’s lots of graffiti, and certain types of people back there,” she said.
