Hannah Hammoud
St Albans residents are demanding their concerns be heard as fears for safety continue to grow.
Resident Jenny Isa has lived in St Albans for more than 40 years. She said the community is still reeling from the death of a 14-year-old boy that in Bailey Street, St Albans late last month.
Police recently charged three teenagers with murder as part of an investigation into the death of the 14-year-old Braybrook boy. The boy was killed on June 26, after allgedly being hit by a car and knifed.
“Residents are very scared, we want to know if [St Albans MP] Natalie Suleyman has our suburb under control,” Ms Isa said.
“She needs to get out in the community and be present, we don’t feel she represents us and we don’t feel safe.
“We have so many questions that need answers, it’s not just about getting more police on foot. A 14-year-old boy was killed, that’s someone’s child … isn’t she worried for our community?”
In response to the criticism, Ms Suleyman cited the state government’s “record” $4.5 billion investment to support Victoria Police, including funding for more than 3600 new officers.
“My deepest thoughts and sympathies are with those in Brimbank who have been affected by knife crime. Violence of any kind is unacceptable,” Ms Suleyman said.
“ … We’ve also given police strong new powers to target brazen criminal activity, with new carjacking and home invasion offences including statutory minimum sentences for aggravated offences.
“It’s important to recognise that only a small number of young people are involved in serious violent crime, and even fewer first-time offenders. However we know more work needs to be done – that’s why we’re continuing to back early intervention and crime prevention programs.”
