Altona traders have warned that troublemakers from outside are not welcome in their town as they join forces with Hobsons Bay police and council to curb antisocial behaviour in the warmer months.
Traders, police and council met on Thursday to discuss strategies to deal with the expected influx of visitors over summer.
Altona Village Traders Association president Kim Walsh said the suburb, with one of two main swimming beaches in Melbourne’s west, was becoming a bayside destination like Lorne.
“We were having trouble from people coming in from out of town – I don’t believe it’s our local youths – and they’ve got to walk down our main street to get to our beach,” Mr Walsh said.
“Sadly, there are some who are hell-bent on antisocial behaviour. They have no respect for our town; they have no affiliation with our town.
“We welcome everyone into Altona except for those who want to muck up – we don’t want you in our town.”
A private security guard will patrol the area, particularly Pier Street and Harrington Square, over summer.
Police inspector Michelle Young said plainclothes and uniform police would patrol beach areas, targeting hoons, public nuisances, drinking in public, theft of and from cars, and traffic offences, including unregistered vehicles.
“I also would encourage people just to be aware of their surroundings, be aware of their belongings,” she said. “We won’t have police sitting with every group on the beach protecting their stuff while they’re in the water.”
Last month, Protective Services Officers used pepper spray during a brawl involving up to 15 people at Altona railway station. Four Tarneit youths were charged with offences including causing affray.
Drinking alcohol in public is permanently banned in the area bounded by Romawi Street, the railway line, Bayview Street and the beach. From December 1-April 30, the ban extends to Civic Parade.
Cr Sandra Wilson said that council wanted people to have fun, but to do so responsibly, safely and with respect for what’s on offer.
“Through working together on how we meet people’s expectations of safety, cleanliness and having a darn good time, I know we’ll have another great summer here in Altona,” she said.
