POLICE believe they are making progress in the fight against ‘‘extreme antisocial behaviour” in a notorious area of Sunshine.
Brimbank’s Acting Inspector Chris Gilbert said increased police patrols and the addition of protective service officers at Sunshine train station were making a difference, following a spate of public drunkenness and nuisance behaviour around Dickson and Clarke streets.
“Some of it is [extreme antisocial behaviour], but some of it is not serious crime,” he said. “It’s small steps but I’m confident there is going to be a change for the better.”
Several local traders spoke out about antisocial behaviour in the area after Brimbank council called for submissions for plans to introduce a special marketing and business development rate in Sunshine.
Submissions revealed stories of drug users ‘‘openly making transactions’’ on Clarke and Dickson streets and drunk people standing in front of shop doors ‘‘either making demands or helping themselves to our stuff.”
Another trader said McDonalds Lane was a disgrace, with graffiti covering the rear of most premises and people smashing bottles on the roadway and urinating and defecating at the rear of premises.
Shop owners also reported being assaulted and many instances of property damage. One submission highlighted increased danger due to inadequate lighting in McDonalds Lane.
Brimbank council chairman John Watson said he was dismayed to hear the traders’ stories.
A council report said the area had a history of antisocial behaviour, with a petition in 2011 requesting the removal of public seats on a Clarke Street footpath to stop people gathering.
The report said the council and police would launch a working group this month to discuss ways to further reduce antisocial behaviour.
