Posh neighbourhood turns into 'epicentre' of crime: ‘It’s the worst it’s been in 35 years’
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Disclaimer: This article contains graphic depictions of crime and violence. Reader discretion is advised.
Melbourne has been famous for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and as a haven for foodies and sports enthusiasts.
However, the city also faces a starkly different reality in one of its most affluent suburbs.
St Kilda, once a crown jewel of Melbourne's urban landscape, has been compared to the notorious streets of Compton in Los Angeles.
Residents and business owners described their experiences in the neighbourhood as akin to living in a 'third world' country due to a surge in crime.
The heartbreak and terror gripping St Kilda's community were brought into sharp focus when a distraught father recounted a harrowing ordeal.
'On September 16, 2024, my five-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted by an adult male on Acland St, an adult male that has a violent criminal history of attacking innocent females,' the father stated as he held back his tears.
'At the time of the sexual assault on my five-year-old daughter, the council CCTV camera was not working and had been out of service for weeks, according to police.'
The crime was left unmonitored and left the victim's family helpless in the case.
However, their family's case was not an isolated incident.
In a separate incident, a 79-year-old senior was left bleeding from the head.
'One of my elderly family members was on the tram and said a bloke—a passenger on the tram who appeared to be drunk/ under the influence—smashed a bottle of whisky on an elderly gentleman's head,' someone wrote on social media.
'He then threw the broken bottle towards the front of the tram, narrowly missing other passengers. The elderly man was badly injured, and there was blood everywhere.'
St Kilda's once serene streets with multi-million properties became a scene of chaos.
Vehicles in the area have been torched, innocent bystanders have been attacked with weapons, and locals have observed rampant drug use.
In 2024, the City of Port Phillip—which included St Kilda—recorded 10,853 criminal incidents.
The statistics indicated a 10-year-high record in the area.
Assaults and sexual offences rose in the area, with numbers nearing the highest recorded in the last decade.
Charlotte Frajman, a long-standing pharmacy owner on Fitzroy Street, witnessed the transformation of St Kilda.
'It's the worst it's been in 35 years,' Ms Frajman lamented.
She compared the current state of affairs to the darkest days of the Gatwick Hotel, a notorious establishment synonymous with crime and violence.
'When I tell you I've seen everything, I mean it. It's 100 per cent worse now. Despite how bad it was in the 90s, there was not one day, even during the murders, where I felt personally unsafe or fearful for my security and wellbeing,' Ms Frajman added.
These crime rates have impacted tourism and local businesses in the area.
'We have had the most glorious summer, the best in about 30 years. St Kilda used to be the premium tourist precinct. But now you could shoot a bloody cannon down the street and not hit anyone,' Ms Frajman ended.
The crisis has also extended beyond St Kilda, with neighbouring suburbs experiencing a spike in aggravated burglaries and break-ins.
Residents, feeling abandoned by the system, have resorted to hiring private security to protect their homes.
Bayside Mayor Hanna El Mouallem reached out to the state government for urgent action after his own home was targeted.
'Like the rest of my community, we are deeply troubled by the severity and brazenness of these crimes,' Mayor El Mouallem stated.
Learn more about St Kilda's situation here:
Source: 7News Australia/YouTube
Port Phillip Mayor Louise Crawford highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving safety.
She believed that investing in CCTV equipment and introducing a rapid response crew could mitigate the surge in crime.
However, these measures have not quelled the community's fears.
The situation in St Kilda and its surrounding areas should be a stark reminder of the complexities of urban living.
It also raised important questions about the role of local governance, law enforcement, and community engagement in addressing and preventing crime.
This situation may be particularly disheartening. It's a reminder that vigilance and community solidarity are crucial in maintaining the quality of life in our neighbourhoods. Have you noticed changes in your area? What could help restore peace and safety to these troubled streets? Your insights are valuable, so please share your thoughts about this issue in the comments section below.
Melbourne has been famous for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and as a haven for foodies and sports enthusiasts.
However, the city also faces a starkly different reality in one of its most affluent suburbs.
St Kilda, once a crown jewel of Melbourne's urban landscape, has been compared to the notorious streets of Compton in Los Angeles.
Residents and business owners described their experiences in the neighbourhood as akin to living in a 'third world' country due to a surge in crime.
The heartbreak and terror gripping St Kilda's community were brought into sharp focus when a distraught father recounted a harrowing ordeal.
St Kilda is home to several tourist attractions and beaches. Image Credit: Google Maps
'On September 16, 2024, my five-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted by an adult male on Acland St, an adult male that has a violent criminal history of attacking innocent females,' the father stated as he held back his tears.
'At the time of the sexual assault on my five-year-old daughter, the council CCTV camera was not working and had been out of service for weeks, according to police.'
The crime was left unmonitored and left the victim's family helpless in the case.
However, their family's case was not an isolated incident.
In a separate incident, a 79-year-old senior was left bleeding from the head.
'One of my elderly family members was on the tram and said a bloke—a passenger on the tram who appeared to be drunk/ under the influence—smashed a bottle of whisky on an elderly gentleman's head,' someone wrote on social media.
'He then threw the broken bottle towards the front of the tram, narrowly missing other passengers. The elderly man was badly injured, and there was blood everywhere.'
St Kilda's once serene streets with multi-million properties became a scene of chaos.
Vehicles in the area have been torched, innocent bystanders have been attacked with weapons, and locals have observed rampant drug use.
In 2024, the City of Port Phillip—which included St Kilda—recorded 10,853 criminal incidents.
The statistics indicated a 10-year-high record in the area.
Assaults and sexual offences rose in the area, with numbers nearing the highest recorded in the last decade.
Charlotte Frajman, a long-standing pharmacy owner on Fitzroy Street, witnessed the transformation of St Kilda.
'It's the worst it's been in 35 years,' Ms Frajman lamented.
She compared the current state of affairs to the darkest days of the Gatwick Hotel, a notorious establishment synonymous with crime and violence.
'When I tell you I've seen everything, I mean it. It's 100 per cent worse now. Despite how bad it was in the 90s, there was not one day, even during the murders, where I felt personally unsafe or fearful for my security and wellbeing,' Ms Frajman added.
These crime rates have impacted tourism and local businesses in the area.
'We have had the most glorious summer, the best in about 30 years. St Kilda used to be the premium tourist precinct. But now you could shoot a bloody cannon down the street and not hit anyone,' Ms Frajman ended.
The crisis has also extended beyond St Kilda, with neighbouring suburbs experiencing a spike in aggravated burglaries and break-ins.
Residents, feeling abandoned by the system, have resorted to hiring private security to protect their homes.
Bayside Mayor Hanna El Mouallem reached out to the state government for urgent action after his own home was targeted.
'Like the rest of my community, we are deeply troubled by the severity and brazenness of these crimes,' Mayor El Mouallem stated.
Learn more about St Kilda's situation here:
Source: 7News Australia/YouTube
Port Phillip Mayor Louise Crawford highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving safety.
She believed that investing in CCTV equipment and introducing a rapid response crew could mitigate the surge in crime.
However, these measures have not quelled the community's fears.
The situation in St Kilda and its surrounding areas should be a stark reminder of the complexities of urban living.
It also raised important questions about the role of local governance, law enforcement, and community engagement in addressing and preventing crime.
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