By Aneeka Simonis
PAKENHAM’S ageing community is afraid to get behind the wheel at night or even walk the streets alone as a result of the crime wave continuing to hit town.
The sad revelation comes as Pakenham and the wider outer south-eastern region remains a hot target for youth gangs and criminals on theft and invasion sprees.
Pakenham Senior Citizens’ Club President Michael Wall made a personal request for police to come to one of their upcoming meetings to talk on the issue of crime and prevention.
He said many members were scared to go about their everyday business in Pakenham.
“A lot of older people are concerned for their safety. They don’t want to go out at night, they’re concerned to walk down the street or drive their car at night,” he said.
Mr Wall said their James Street clubhouse was broken into last week, and they had long had troubles with a squatter at the site.
“A window was broken last week. Whoever did it tried to smash the lock as well,” he said.
Mr Wall made the plea for police presence at a public consultation between police and residents in Officer on Thursday 20 October.
Pakenham police Senior Sergeant Nathan Prowd confirmed police members would attend an upcoming seniors meeting to reassure residents the bulk of crime being committed locally did not relate to street assaults.
“Residents need to feel comfortable to go about their own business. If you look at the crime statistics, increases don’t relate to personal attacks and assaults on the street,” Sen Sgt Prowd said.
He said residents needed to be aware of their surroundings, and take necessary safety precautions but should not be afraid for their safety.
“Crime isn’t rampant to the point people shouldn’t feel comfortable walking the streets,” he said.
“Though people do need to be aware of their surroundings and make sure if they are out at night, that they keep to lit areas and take basic safety precautions.”
He urged anyone who observed someone loitering suspiciously to call Crime Stoppers.
The majority of residents who turned out to meet with police were elderly.
Home security was the main concern raised by residents, according to Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Darron Hedge.
Crime statistics show aggravated burglary rates have almost tripled in Cardinia Shire in the past year.
The increase in home invasions is hugely disproportionate to that experienced by the rest of Victoria, recording hikes more than four times the rate state-wide.
Crime increases in the Pakenham area have sparked major action by residents in Lakeside.
Entrances, exits and roundabouts within the estate may soon be monitored under a 24/7 CCTV surveillance system which would stream back live to police to help track down and charge offenders.
“It’ll be like putting a digital fence around Lakeside,” said the plan’s instigator Giles Gibson.
Residents will offer up their own land and internet bandwidth to mount and run the cameras pointed directly at public spaces as part of the innovative, community-owned crime-fighting initiative.
The proposal was taken to a community forum on Wednesday 19 October, followed by a private discussion with Shadow Minister for Crime Edward O’Donohue and Bass MP Brian Paynter.
Police are yet to be properly briefed on the proposal.
Crime Stoppers are on 1800 333 000.
