Young St, Frankston, plagued by anti-social behaviour as revamp drags on
FED-UP traders have blamed the demolition of a Frankston toilet block — part of a $13m shopping strip revamp — for a spike in anti-social behaviour in the area.
South East
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TROUBLEMAKERS are trafficking drugs, defecating and urinating behind Frankston’s Young St shops.
But police have vowed to take a “ruthless” approach, with a crackdown that includes increased foot patrols and police searches of loiterers.
Fed up traders have blamed the demolition of a toilet block in Young St — part of a $13 million revamp — for the spike in anti-social behaviour.
It’s just the latest problem faced by the long suffering traders, who have endured months of disruption from the work, which is already five months behind schedule.
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“There will be a ruthless approach to anti-social behaviour,” Senior Sergeant Michael Lamb said.
“They will be moved on and given tickets if they offend.
“Those loitering and trying to buy and sell drugs will be searched.
“It’s about public safety and public order — the people of Frankston and the traders deserve to feel safe.”
Sen-Sgt Lamb said in the first week of the operation, five people had been arrested for public order offences, theft and warrants of apprehension, and 17 penalty notices issued for breaches of council by laws.
He said the crackdown would continue until works were completed in October, and then be reviewed.
Lucky Ferraro, who runs Lucky’s Deli, said there had been significant issues with anti-social behaviour after the toilet block was removed.
But increased police foot patrols were beginning to make a difference, he said.
Mr Ferraro said he supported the Young St redevelopment, adding: “Frankston is a beautiful town. We need to go forward.”
The Young St redevelopment is expected to improve safety along the strip with wider footpaths, more greens space, better lighting and less dark corners.
Frankston Labor MP Paul Edbrooke said authorities had worked closely to increase proactive policing in the Young St precinct.
“This has meant that we recently achieved a 40 per decrease in disorderly offences in Frankston,” he said.
“The State Government is committed to driving down crime by further investing in Victoria Police and projects like the Frankston Train Station precinct redevelopment.”