Police have targeted drug hotspot Howey Place in the CBD

A Melbourne laneway plagued by drug dealing and anti-social behaviour has been targeted by police.

Police and council target Howey Place in the CBD. Picture: David Crosling

A CBD laneway notorious for drug dealing and anti-social behaviour has been targeted by Victoria Police, the city council and welfare agencies.

Traders in Howey Place, off Lt Collins St, have complained about open drug activity and aggressive behaviour by homeless people.

Local antique jewellery store owner James Alfredson said the behaviour was confronting for traders and city shoppers.

“It was getting to a point where businesses were concerned for the safety of their customers and businesses,” he said.

Police and welfare agencies have targeted Howey Place, off Lt Collins St. Picture: David Crosling.

“Petty crime was occurring where you had phones, laptops and a bike stolen from this area.

“We would like to see a bigger police presence and more government support for them so they can have more ability to tackle these problems.”

Melbourne East Neighbourhood Policing Team has been working with Howey Place traders to tackle the issues, including police patrols supported by council officers and welfare workers under Operation Protocol.

Team co-ordinator Sgt Dinah Tremain said the community could be assured police were listening.

“We will also act, by either investigating criminal offences or working with our stakeholders to make areas safer,” she said.

Howey Place has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour. Picture: David Crosling

“Police work closely with the City of Melbourne, Salvation Army and other support services to deter any criminal offences, while also engaging with those experiencing homelessness to ensure they have access to essential services.”

Last week, an Operation Protocol team conducted an early morning sweep of Howey Place, which is part of a network of laneways linking Swanston, Collins and Lt Collins streets.

No illegal behaviour was detected, but two rough sleepers, who were offered but declined support services, were moved on.

The city council also separately patrols the city seven days a week to deter anti-social behaviour and to support the homeless.

Police talk to Howey Place business owner James Alfredson. Picture: David Crosling

In conjunction with police, more frequent patrols of major city streets have been done recently to deal with rising numbers of rough sleepers.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the council was doing everything it could to keep the city safe and clean, while helping the homeless.

“Council’s delivering record funding for critical safety infrastructure and resources, including improved lighting and surveillance across the city,” she said.

“We’re also creating safe and secure housing for our most vulnerable Melburnians through our landmark Make Room project, which will convert a building on Lt Bourke St into studio apartments with on-site support services.”

Under the neighbourhood policing policy, police keep a register of issues that matter most to their local community.

Each issue has a dedicated police officer who then works with other police areas and stakeholders to co-ordinate a response and ensure the issue is being addressed.