Residents in fear as crime, drug dens surge in St Kilda

St Kilda residents are terrified as properties in the once-thriving suburb are taken over by criminals and drug users — some “fresh out of jail”.

Drug dens in St Kilda – some that house residents “fresh out of jail” – have terrified neighbours fearing ­violence, drug use and theft.

The Herald Sun last week visited several properties – some worth more than $4m – after receiving complaints from residents who say the area is unsafe and a “cesspit” for drug dealing.

An apartment complex in Alma Rd with smashed windows, boarded-up rooms and open drug use has angered neighbours who say the issue is out of control.

A longtime St Kilda resident, who lives metres from the property, said he had seen some residents openly injecting.

A derelict building on Alma Rd in St Kilda. Picture: Mark Stewart

Police cars were at the complex almost every day.

“I’m too afraid to even walk past it, some of these residents are fresh out of jail and they are neglected without proper support,” he said.

“It is sad but we are equally fearing for our safety.

“The place has become a cesspit for drug dealing, drug use, and I am shocked the building owner and authorities have let the apartment complex get to that state. It’s a real danger to our community.”

A dilapidated building on Carlisle St in St Kilda. Picture: Mark Stewart

When the Herald Sun visited the complex, one resident could be seen through a window injecting in the front room of his apartment.

Ice pipes, rubbish and used needle packets were visible.

At least five motorbikes were visible at the back of the property, while four bicycles were seen near the laundry.

Another nearby property on the corner on Carlisle St, which is believed to be worth more than about $4.2m, has also been dubbed an “eyesore” by residents who have ­demanded the council and property owner take action and tear it down.

Rubbish is strewn outside an Alma Rd property. Picture: Mark Stewart

The Herald Sun saw hard rubbish strewn across the property, graffiti and smashed windows.

One resident, who has lived in the area for more than a decade, said the building was often occupied by squatters who were intentionally lighting fires and openly using drugs.

In nearby Octavia St, neighbours also say they feel unsafe due to problematic adjoining properties owned by Prahran Housing, where residents are openly dealing drugs.

Neighbours say they are afraid for their safety. Picture: Mark Stewart

“There have been multiple drug busts at this property,” one resident said.

The people residing here are dealing drugs to the local community both directly from the property and in the small park at the corner of Octavia St and Octavia Crescent.”

A run-down Carlisle St property. Picture: Mark Stewart

The Herald Sun also visited two other properties in Wellington St – both understood to be more than $2.6m each – after neighbours also complained about their safety due to squatters and ­ongoing drug use at the properties.

St Kilda Police say they are helping to provide essential services to those sleeping rough. Picture: Mark Stewart

A Victoria Police spokesman said as part of the neighbourhood policing model, local police regularly consulted with the community on safety and amenity ­issues, and deployed high visibility patrols to areas of concern.

“Victoria Police also continue to work closely with City of Port Phillip and other support agencies, including housing providers and property owners, to ensure public amenity surrounding these areas is maintained,” he said.

Angry neighbours say drug use and crime has become ‘out of control’. Picture: Mark Stewart

“Local police receive reports of squatters from the City of Port Phillip and when this occurs, we assist in relocating these people to permanent accommodation.

“When criminal offending or public order issues do arise, we respond as part of our broader policing duties.”

Port Phillip Mayor Heather Cunsolo said the council acknowledged the concerns of some residents and that council officers would “continue their work in supporting Victoria Police’s efforts to combat anti-social behaviour”.

A Department of Families, Fairness and Housing spokeswoman said the ­department did not tolerate anti-social behaviour in ­accommodation it owned or leased from third-party providers.