Bayside Mayor calls for action after falling victim to an aggravated burglary
The mayor of Melbourne’s bayside suburbs is demanding the Allan government address an “alarming increase” in crime in the area after an attempted home invasion at his Brighton property.
Victoria
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The mayor of Melbourne’s bayside suburbs has requested an urgent meeting with the Allan government after he fell victim to an attempted aggravated burglary.
Bayside Mayor Hanna EI Mouallem on Thursday wrote to Police Minister Anthony Carbines and Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny demanding action after his Brighton home was allegedly targeted.
In his letter, obtained by the Herald Sun, Mr El Mouallem called on the government to provide “immediate action” to address the safety concerns of the Bayside community.
The Herald Sun has been told the would-be offenders allegedly scaled the fence of the Mayor’s property and attempted to enter the home through a bedroom window.
They were unsuccessful in their alleged attempts to break in, Mr El Mouallem said.
“Like the rest of my community, we are deeply troubled by the severity and brazenness of these crimes,” Mr El Mouallem said in the letter.
“Bayside is experiencing an alarming increase in burglaries and home invasions, some involving serious physical harm to residents and all impacting our community’s sense of safety.”
Mr El Mouallem, who has previously called for urgent reform to the state’s bail laws, demanded the government to direct more attention and resources to crime in the area.
“As Mayor, I am requesting an urgent meeting with you to discuss this issue as well as how the Victorian Government can further resource and support Victoria Police to curb the growing increase in crime,” he wrote.
Brighton MP James Newbury has called for “crisis patrols” across his electorate.
“Our community is being attacked by home invaders every single night,” he said.
“This street has been hit four nights over the last week.
“Given the explosive increase in crime, the state government must make sure that resources are available for crisis patrols in hotspot areas that are under attack.”
Mr El Mouallem has been contacted for comment.