By Bonny Burrows
Constitution Rise residents have had enough.
They’ve had enough of the hoon behaviour, drug use, littering and sexual activity they say is occurring at the Berwick “make-out spot”.
The scenic street, which overlooks much of Berwick, is popular among the shire’s youths, who use the road as a place to meet up with friends.
Residents accept the street will attract traffic, but say they aren’t fine with the “illegal” activity occurring almost daily by who they say are mostly young people on their P-plates.
“Kids will be kids but it’s gotten out of hand,” Shan, who lives on the street with her partner and their five teenage children, said.
“The sex, the drugs, the loud music, the cars hooning and the rubbish; we’re calling the police every second day.
“It’s just constant and it’s constantly getting worse.”
According to the couple, more than 15 cars at a time can be parked on the bowl of the street day and night, for hours on end.
It’s been occurring since August last year, and for the most part, Shan, her family and neighbours have been simply dealing with it, picking up the waste left behind and taking down the registrations of those engaging in suspicious activity.
But the family said a car fire on 9 January was the last straw.
Shan and her partner were having a coffee at a local cafe when they got a panicked call from daughter Stephanie – a car was alight in the vacant block two doors from their home.
Shan was furious.
“In the middle of the day, they had the guts to do it in the middle of the day when my children were home,” Shan said.
“That was the end of it for us. Because if the fire brigade didn’t come … there’s dry grass and with embers it potentially could have been a huge mess.”
Shan said police were aware of the situation, but had said on numerous occasions they couldn’t do anything.
“They say they’re not doing anything illegal and that’s crap,” Shan said.
“I know police are busy but why not drive up here and have a look?”
In the meantime, Shan is investigating the installation of security cameras in a bid to deter crime.
“I shouldn’t have to do this, but what choice do I have?” she said.
“I don’t know what to do anymore, the kids are scared.”
Shan was due to meet with the City of Casey on Tuesday 16 January to discuss the situation.
It is believed the council will write to the police asking for increased patrol in the area.
Narre Warren police was contacted for comment.
