Some footpaths in St Albans have increasingly become hotspots for one particularly dangerous illegal activity, with the sale of black market food items along local streets progressively getting worse, according to residents.
It’s not an unfamiliar sight in St Albans: hawkers on footpaths, selling an assortment of groceries including meat, fish, and high-end cosmetic goods at reduced prices.
Most of these products are stolen from supermarkets.
St Albans resident Jenny Isa is among many frustrated by the rampant criminal act.
“It’s a big concern in the community and people want something done about it,” she said.
“If you allow something to occur long enough, it becomes something that you tolerate.”
Ms Isa said given the problem was on the rise, all stakeholders needed to work in tandem to shut it down.
“We have to [stop] this together, collectively as a community, with council, and with police,” she said.
According to Ms Isa, not-for-profit organisations should also be part of the conversation.
She said a regular community-food van, along with increased police presence could stop the demand for these illegally-sold items.
St Albans Business Group Association president Sebastian Agricola said customers had to take some responsibility too.
“A lot of the sellers steal from local shops so it destroys local traders,” he said.
“I know times are tough but the prices in St Albans are very reasonable.
“Receiving goods reasonably suspected of being stolen is a criminal offence and if you buy something from some guy on the street with items on the floor, then I don’t think there’s much doubt that it’s [stolen].
“My view is, the best solution unfortunately is to also charge the buyers.”
Brimbank council city futures director Kelvin Walsh said police and council were continuing to crack down on goods sold illegally.
“Victoria Police regularly run operations targeting the alleged illegal sale of mostly food items on the footpath,” Mr Walsh said.
“Anyone selling food items must be registered.”
A police operation in November led to the arrest of 14 alleged shop thieves, a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
“Anyone found to be knowingly purchasing stolen goods can also expect to be charged with handling stolen goods,” the spokesperson added.
If business operators, or residents witness illegal food selling activity, they can report it to Brimbank council on 9249 4000, or to Victoria Police on 131 444.
