Traders along Dandenong’s Afghan precinct on Thomas St closing early due to constant crime
Growing violence, including a wild brawl just days ago, is marring a once-popular ethnic shopping precinct in Dandenong, and forcing many shop owners to close early.
South East
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Dandenong’s popular Afghan precinct has become a ghost town at night as terrified traders shut up shop early because of growing violence.
The Greater Dandenong Leader visited the popular strip on Thomas St and spoke to dozens of store and restaurant owners who said crime was out of control and feared it was only a matter of time before their businesses were targeted again.
Asif Reyazee, who works at Kabul Roundabout Pizza, said he had witnessed several shocking incidents including a brawl, which broke out at 7pm on Sunday, August 4.
“There was a huge group of people fighting outside the shop and they stormed inside and began screaming — one of the guys looked like he was stabbed and was bleeding everywhere,” Mr Reyazee said.
“It was so bad — we had to close the shop early at 8pm, when we’re meant to be trading until 11pm and we’ve been shutting up earlier on other nights too.”
He said thugs had also smashed the shop’s windows in May, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage.
“All the windows were smashed in the early morning. We had $16,000 worth damage — the crime is out of control and we hope the police can do something.”
“We definitely need increased police patrols in the area to stop this from happening.”
Another trader Arif Baksh, who owns Sham Restaurant, said thieves smashed into his business last week — damaging his ATM machine and security cameras.
“They didn’t take anything but the whole ordeal was really bad — we close our shop at 9.30pm because it’s too scary around here to shut any later,” Mr Baksh said.
Another trader, who works at a kebab shop and asked not to be named, said the area had become riddled with drug users.
“There’s a lot of trouble around here as there’s so many people drinking alcohol and they’re on drugs — the shopping strip is not as safe as it used to be,” he said.
Greater Dandenong Local Area Commander Inspector Mark Langhorn said police were unable to find any reports of a stabbing, which occurred on August 4.
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Insp Langhorn said investigations remained ongoing regarding damage to a store window on Lonsdale St and a burglary at a restaurant on Thomas St.
“Local police, along with officers from the Frontline Tactical Unit and Operations Response Unit have dedicated, proactive patrols that regularly attend Thomas St and Lonsdale St in Dandenong,” he said.
Insp Langhorn said the teams were focused on reducing public order incidents and crime in the area.
“Our Proactive Policing Units also work closely with local business owners to address any security issues and implement crime prevention measures.”-
Anyone with information about the incidents was urged to contact Crime Stoppers.