RESPECT
It is very disappointing to see the incident in Somerville yesterday with three youths being arrested and the focus of national news and social media pile on surrounding the incident.
Somerville Business Group have been asking people to show respect on social media and to each other for the last two years.
Yesterday’s incident was a salient reminder of the problems that our Somerville society is facing. Where is the respect that these alleged offenders have shown to a Somerville business by taking property without paying for the property? Business owners have a right to go to work and be rewarded for their efforts, they have rights to be respected in the work they do and not treated in this way.
Where was the respect that a shopper at a normal suburban shopping centre was confronted by three youths in such a manner? Ordinary people have the right to go about their shopping in a friendly, respectful way, that Somerville has always been known for.
There a continual social media posts that cars are being broken into; people are unlawfully entering properties and crime is worse than ever before. Where is the respect for other people’s property, why are not just some kids, but some adults think it is ok to disrespect people on social media, on the streets and in people’s homes?
So, what are the some of the answers-:
· Show respect.
· If you are shopping, stop and say hello, don’t demand.
· Stop the social media pile ons, always show respect
· Be vigilant
· Contact the police in the first instance
· Open Somerville Police Station
· More Police patrols in the retail shopping precincts
· Write to all our elected representatives
· Don’t take these things out on each other
ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES
Somerville Business Group wrote to our State elected representative Paul Mercurio on 13th January, 2025-:
“Security is a huge issue and parents are concerned for their children's safety when incidents like the attached Hastings Bus security attachment problems keep occurring, the government needs to make all the buses safer for all. Having travelled on this bus regularly to the city, it is a bit like playing russian roulette when you get on board!!!
Are you prepared as the State member to advocate for Somerville to be included in the Cross Peninsula Bus Service?”
and
“One thing Neale(Burgess) was still advocating for was the re-opening of the Somerville Police Station as a manned 24 hour Police station.
Given the increase in crime and the home invasion crime wave in Somerville (refer Somerville Public Noticeboard post dated 03/01/2025), maybe Neale's efforts should be backed up as per the Hansard details dated 10/12/2020 and seek to strengthen the Police force visibility across the Peninsula, not just Somerville".
In your time as the State Member is this something you have addressed?”.
Paul responded on 23rd January, 2025 with the following-:
"Safety on public transport can be a concern at times, if anyone is feeling unsafe or in danger, they should call 000 and report the incident.
In relation to crime, I’ve been in regular contact with Victoria Police regarding a number of local concerns, again the sensitive nature of these dealings as they relate to people living in the electorate are matters of privacy and not issues that we discuss in public forums. However, in saying that I have worked with Police on a forum with local business owners and shortly another program will be conducted focussing on youth and sport. My staff and I have a good working relation with our local police members.
Staffing of police stations is a matter for the Chief Commissioner. Somerville Police Station serves as a hub for Crime Investigation Unit, Family Violence Investigation Unit and the Pro-active Policing Unit. It’s also my hope that the pay dispute with Victoria Police is resolved quickly".
We need everyone to write to Paul Mercurio and continue to let him know that our concerns should no longer be sugar coated, we need affirmative action. Somerville Business Group want Somerville to be a better place to shop, work, invest and play.
ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES
Zoe McKenzie – federal member for Flinders – what can be done at a federal level? Are there any programs available for kids like this to be retained in school, or if school is not for them what is available? Are there enough TAFE course places and apprenticeships available in the Flinders electorate?
Paul Mercurio – the police officers say they are stretched to the limit. In the Hastings electorate there is only one police station open to the public. Why? The population of the Hastings electorate continues to grow, and the Somerville Police office remains closed to the public and offers no help to our local law and order issues.
Kate Roper – Coffee with a Cop is a great idea, but what further resources does the shire offer to the youth of Somerville, especially those who decide not to go to school on a regular basis?
The bottom line in the absence of the above from our elected representatives, people need to show more respect, business owners need to know that they are safe in their own workplaces and shoppers need to go about their day without fear of offenders trashing our law and order.
7th February, 2025.
Comments