As we gather in our favourite cafes to enjoy a warm cuppa and a slice of cake, we often think of these spaces as cozy sanctuaries from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, a recent incident at a Melbourne dessert bar has left many questioning just how safe these urban havens truly are.

In what can only be described as a scene from a movie, a wild brawl erupted inside the Homm dessert bar in Melbourne's CBD on a seemingly peaceful Saturday night. The violence was not only shocking but also a stark reminder that the veneer of safety in our cities can be shattered in an instant.


The owner of the Homm dessert bar, Bass Sakdatorn, took to social media to express his dismay over the increasing level of violence sweeping across Melbourne. The footage of the incident, which has since circulated on social media, shows a man desperately trying to fend off a group of about ten hooded assailants. The group chased the man into the cafe, where they threw punches and shoved him into the glass door, much to the horror of diners who could do little but watch the chaos unfold.


Thankfully, the staff members and customers intervened, forcing the group out of the eatery before any serious injuries were reported. But the damage had been done – not just to the physical space of the cafe, but to the sense of security that patrons and business owners alike hold dear.


Mr Sakdatorn's frustration is palpable as he reflects on the incident: 'This is why we can't have nice things in Melbourne anymore,' he lamented. 'Seeing a person getting jumped one to two meters away is actually pretty bad.'

The fear that Melbourne may be descending into a new era of urban violence is not unfounded. According to figures from Victoria's Crime Statistics Agency, offences have increased by 50 per cent in Elizabeth Street over the last five years, with assault, criminal damage, and theft being the most common crimes. The number of criminal incidents registered by police in the 12 months to March 31 this year rose by 10.1 per cent to 396,238 from the previous period.

Residents and business owners in the southern end of Elizabeth Street have voiced their growing safety concerns, citing a lack of police presence and ongoing construction works as contributing factors to the rise in crime. A survey conducted by the City of Melbourne Council earlier this year highlighted that safety, cleanliness, and making public spaces more pedestrian-friendly were the main priorities for residents.


The incident at Homm dessert bar is a wake-up call for all of us. It's a reminder that we must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the root causes of urban violence. As community members, we can advocate for increased police patrols and support initiatives that promote safe and inclusive public spaces. Business owners, like Mr Sakdatorn should not have to fear for their livelihoods and the safety of their customers.

We must ask ourselves: what can we do to ensure that our favourite cafes remain the welcoming retreats we cherish? How can we work together to prevent our city streets from becoming battlegrounds? It's time for a conversation about community safety, and it's a conversation we need to have now.
Have you witnessed or experienced a rise in violence in your local area? What measures do you think could be taken to improve safety in our cities? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below. Let's unite to keep our communities safe and our cafes the peaceful oases we know and love.