‘Enough is enough’: Glen Eira calls on Premier Jacinta Allan to boost police patrols, urgently

Current and former mayors from a council in Melbourne’s Jewish heartland have demanded a permanent boost to police patrols amid a frightening rise in anti-Semitism and “deep concern” for public safety.

Current and former mayors from a council in Melbourne’s Jewish heartland have demanded a permanent boost to police patrols amid a frightening rise in anti-Semitism and “deep concern” for public safety.

In a joint letter to Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Glen Eira Mayor Simone Zmood and four former mayors said they were worried for the wellbeing of their community, and urgently wanted more police on the streets.

“While recent events have raised increased awareness of anti-Semitism, disruptive community

behaviour and violent attacks, for our community these are longstanding issues that continue to erode their fundamental right to feel safe,” the letter, seen by the Herald Sun, notes.

“This issue extends beyond the Jewish community and affects all residents, making it imperative that both immediate and permanent action is taken.

“In light of these ongoing security concerns, we formally request a permanent (not temporary)

increase in police presence in Glen Eira, with particular attention to Caulfield Police Station.”

The letter goes on to say that while temporary measures to improve public safety were appreciated, a long-term policing solution was needed to ensure ongoing safety and restore the trust and confidence of the community.

“We feel strongly that maintaining public safety and an environment where everyone feels welcome are critical responsibilities of government,” the letter says.

Glen Eira Mayor Cr Simone Zmood signs a letter to Premier Jacinta Allan demanding more police. Picture: Supplied

Cr Zmood told the Herald Sun on Tuesday night some issues were “so important and longstanding” they extended beyond one council term.

“That’s why I have joined four former Glen Eira mayors in writing to the Premier to express deep concern for the safety and wellbeing of our diverse community,” she said.

“In the last 500 days, we’ve seen another concerning wave of anti-Semitism, anti-social behaviour, and even violence. This has impacted everyone in our community.

“Enough is enough. People have a fundamental right to feel safe … we know community safety concerns go beyond Glen Eira’s borders – so we’ll continue advocating for all councils to call for change with a united voice.

“We hope our state and federal colleagues join us in this effort to keep our community safe.”

The letter was signed by Cr Zmood and former Glen Eira mayors Anne-Marie Cade, Jim Magee, Margaret Esakoff and Jamie Hyams.

On its website, Glen Eira council, which is located in Melbourne’s southeast, says it is proud to be the cultural home of Australia’s Jewish population, with the largest Jewish population in Australia.

Originally published as ‘Enough is enough’: Glen Eira calls on Premier Jacinta Allan to boost police patrols, urgently