By Mitchell Clarke
A spate of brazen youth attacks across Pakenham have renewed calls for extra police resources to be deployed in a bid to deter opportunistic crime.
In the past few weeks, a number of unsuspecting victims have allegedly been threatened, bashed and robbed in violent assaults, believed to have been carried out by teenage thugs.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said local and transit police across Cardinia were aware of a “small number of incidents” in recent weeks that have been of concern to the community.
Four teenage girls have since been arrested in relation to four separate robbery and attempted robbery incidents in the past week.
“We want to reassure everyone that police regularly and proactively patrol busy public places across the Cardinia Police Service Area (PSA), including the Cardinia Road and Pakenham Train Stations,” the spokeswoman said.
“Police take any reports of crime seriously and are committed to holding offenders to account.”
But the furious parents of some recent victims believe more needs to be done to make the streets safe for their kids again.
Lea, whose step-son was assaulted on a train between Cardinia Road station and Pakenham station, wants a greater police presence in the area.
“We need more PSOs and for the stations to be manned at all times,” she said.
Nikki, whose 10-year-old daughter was attacked in a playground at Cardinia Lakes, said the violent incident had consumed “every thought” she’s had.
“I thought I was doing okay, but I’ve been having nightmares and I’m constantly checking behind me. I haven’t taken my dog for a walk since (the attack), I worry about taking the bins out and I run to my car and lock my doors straight away,” she said.
“It’s become a massive issue in Pakenham and I’m frustrated. I almost feel like my freedom – and my families freedom – has been taken away because of what’s going on here. Our kids need to be left alone so they can start to become independent.”
Jenn, whose daughter was also physically assaulted in the same attack, said the community needed to unite as one.
“I think there’s definitely an issue, but we’ve always faced these types of challenges within the community, so we need to empathise with certain communities and try to work with them. We need to see what we can do better as a community for them to integrate better,” she said.
“There’s enough hate in the community. I think we need to show some empathy here. People don’t act poorly because they’re living a wonderful life.”
The attack, however, has still had a hugely negative affect on her three children.
“Our children need independence in our community to develop their sense of self and confidence but it’s affected my 13-year-old son and it’s affected his friends, because of course the story travels,” she said.
Neighbourhood Watch chairperson David Farrelly said there were a number of preventative measures that could reduce the risk of an opportunistic attack.
He said any temptations, like valuable possessions, should be kept out of site. People should also be aware of their surroundings at all times, and where possible, avoid being in public alone.
“When I’m walking anywhere, I’m actively aware of what’s going on around on me and I take measures to avoid dangerous situations. I’m aware of the fact, that unfortunately, not everyone in society is nice,” he explained.
Mr Farrelly added social media had the potential to amplify an issue and said offending in Pakenham was generally very low compared with areas like Narre Warren, Cranbourne or Dandenong.
“Youth offending is an issue everywhere, it’s not unique to any part in Cardinia,” he said.
“People are very quick to label some crimes using racist slurs or gang terms. It’s just not accurate and it doesn’t help. It just creates fear and that’s not a good thing.”
A specialist Public Order Response Team patrols Pakenham daily, and additional uniformed police officers and detectives from Victoria Police’s public safety command have been deployed to increase intelligence led targeted operations in the area.
“I want people to know that we are committed to keeping the Pakenham community safe,” Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said.
“PSOs continue to provide a highly visible presence and strong deterrent to crime on public transport and hubs in Pakenham, surrounding areas and across the state.
“There are more police present and conducting patrols in the Pakenham area, and with a number of arrests being made following recent incidents in the area I have full confidence in Victoria Police to keep us safe.”
But Gembrook MP and shadow Youth Justice and Crime Prevention Minister Brad Battin said a proactive approach was needed to fix the “broken” system.
“When we hear of 19 year olds attacking teens and younger it sends shivers down our spine, this is not acceptable. We must find a better way to make our community safer,” he said.
“For 17 of 21 years Labor has held office, and youth crime is worse than ever. Our justice system is broken.”
Mr Battin said money needed to be put towards prevention and working with families to engage young people who are “lost to the system”.
“Throwing young people in prison and having them return worse than they entered is not the answer … young people must be held accountable for their actions, but this means the government have a role in ensuring change and allocating money to prevent crime.”
Ms Crugnale said the State Government was active in “getting to the root causes of crime” through preventative measures, like the Building Safer Communities Program.
The program allows local councils to apply for funding to build innovative crime prevention projects.
The first stream will provide funding for projects that can change the look of an area, activate a public place, deter crime and build safety.
Cardinia Shire Council has also committed to working with local police and relevant agencies to build a safer community.
“We understand that our residents would welcome additional resources and further supports to prevent crime in our shire,” mayor Brett Owen said.
“Violence and anti-social behaviour of any kind, including racism and racial profiling, simply has no place in our shire. We will continue to work closely with Victoria Police and relevant community agencies to address the challenges and issues of our growing population.”
Applications for the Building Safer Communities Program will open in January 2021.
