An online petition started by an Indian-Australian man demanding action after the recent spate of violence and crime in Melbourne’s West has garnered over 6000 signatures in span of three days.
Tarneit resident Arnav Sati says he was ‘bloody frustrated’ with the way the issue of recent crime and violence was being addressed by authorities in Melbourne’s West.
In his petition, he writes in recent weeks, “Victorians have seen many below 18 thugs terrorising law abiding citizens who are just trying to live a normal life without bothering anyone.”
He refers to the recent alleged assault on a police officer at the Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong, a near-riot at an Airbnb party in Werribee and the trashing of a local park in Tarneit in his petition demanding that quick and immediate action be taken to make residents feel safe.
“I live in Tarneit and I have learnt that people have kept hockey sticks, nail guns in their homes to protect them,” Sati told SBS Hindi.
Source: Supplied
“Until a while ago, the attacks were happening on streets. Now homes are being invaded. So many have been attacked and robbed inside their homes. We are not safe inside our own homes,” he says.
“I was bloody frustrated with nothing being done. The culprits are arrested and due to their age, they are released on bail.”
“It is time for some concrete actions and it is urgent. We cannot wait for months. Every crime committed by these people is affecting atleast two to three lives. How long can we go on like this?” he says sharing the reason behind starting this online petition.
He hopes this petition will garner enough support to allow him to take up the matter with local MP, police authorities which will hopefully resolve the issue and help feel safe.
The online petition at the time of publishing had garnered over 6627 signatures.
Source: Supplied
“I can assure the local community that the Government and Victoria Police are determined to stop this behaviour and arrest and hold these young people to account,” Mr Languiller told SBS Hindi.
“Victoria Police have established a special operation in the west with additional resources and the anti-gang squad and the operation response unit providing intelligence, backup and additional skills to support frontline police.
“Their efforts will continue to make inroads into this intolerable behaviour by a small group of young people in Victoria,” he said.
The Member of Parliament, Mr Languiller has also offered to work with the individual and ‘table the petition in Parliament’.
