Victoria University students wear safety alarms, businesses lock doors as crime escalates in Footscray

Shop owners in Footscray are locking their doors between customers and some Victoria University students are wearing personal alarms amid a surge in violent behaviour on the streets in Melbourne’s west.

Terrified university students are wearing personal alarms and business owners are locking their doors during daylight hours amid escalating crime and anti-social behaviour in Melbourne’s west.

Victoria University is facing mounting pressure to move its Psychology Clinic on Paisley St in Footscray after students witnessed several confronting incidents including drug-fuelled violence and thefts, despite the presence of security guards in the area.

Traders say crime has worsened in recent months, with some owners being forced to permanently shut their businesses.

Businesses are installing metal bars across windows to stop vandals from breaking in.

When the Herald Sun visited the once-thriving street, a woman, who appeared to be drug-affected, was seen erratically punching the back of a car and shouting at passers-by including a mother and her young child.

A man was also seen openly injecting metres from the psychology clinic, while a drug deal occurred just minutes after.

One Victoria University student, who does a placement at the clinic, said she and her peers wear personal alarms around their necks for “protection” when walking on Paisley St.

“When I get off at Footscray Station I have to be hypervigilant, I’m not even on my phone,” she said.

“It’s such a sad state to see as well, the drug problem is huge there … there have been many incidents where I’ve heard (shop) alarms go off,” she said.

Another student said she has seen people experiencing psychotic or drug-induced episodes on the street.

“Sometimes they’re screaming, sometimes they’re dancing. In one incident there was someone masturbating,” she said.

The students were instructed to ensure the door was locked behind them every time they entered the clinic and had to push a button to allow their patients to enter.

In one incident, a man allegedly stole groceries from a Coles near Paisley St. Picture: Supplied

Meanwhile, dramatic footage obtained by the Herald Sun shows a confrontation between an undercover security guard and a man who allegedly stole several items from nearby Coles last month.

The video shows a struggle between the alleged thief and the security worker as shocked bystanders watched on.

Police responded and arrested the man involved within 10 minutes of the report being made.

Helen, who has owned a clothing store on Paisley St for almost 20 years, said she was assaulted after she confronted a thief who stole a shirt from her shop.

“I was very scared … There has been ongoing drug use. My shop windows have been smashed twice, crime is very bad in this street,” she said.

“I look both ways at night when leaving the shop and I run to my car because I am very scared of drug users.

“I always lock my door because I don’t feel safe for just anyone to walk in.”

One business owner had the glass window of her shop smashed, after fixing it following an earlier incident. Picture: Supplied

A fast food outlet owner said his shop was targeted twice in the past month, which included brazen thieves allegedly stealing cash from the register in front of workers.

“This has not only shaken our staff but our fundamental motivation to run our business,” he said.

The investigation into one incident remains ongoing, while another man was charged and bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court next month.

Another shop owner, who is closing down her business in October, said the area had become “unsafe” and called for a stronger police presence.

“There are drug deals, thefts and people fighting in broad daylight … Police attend very fast when they are called but it would be good to see them patrolling around the area a lot more.”

A Victoria University spokeswoman said the institution was aware of student concerns and was monitoring the situation closely.

“We are in communication with students, the clinic’s management and the local branch of Victoria Police,” she said.

The university also implemented additional security measures including the presence of two VU security staff during open hours and offering door to car escorts and counselling to students.

Another business was robbed during daylight hours, with a thief targeting the shop’s till. Picture: Supplied

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said multiple people were arrested and charged, with an individual being taken to hospital for a mental health assessment.

Another incident remains under investigation.

“We would welcome the opportunity to meet with the students and clinic management to learn more about any concerns and how police could assist,” the spokeswoman said.

“Everybody has the right to feel safe and to this end we conduct regular proactive patrols of the Footscray area as well as operations targeting serious and violent crime.”

Maribyrnong Council Mayor Cuc Lam said community safety was a high priority for the council.

“The council will continue to work with Victoria Police and the State Government to make this precinct safer,” Cr Lam said.

“The council maintains a CCTV system in the Footscray business district and strongly considers Crime Prevention through Environmental Design principles when undertaking any improvements to public space.”