A Footscray resident has vowed she will not be pushed out of the area despite repeated attacks on her home.
Mai Pham, who lives in Victoria Street, said the problems began soon after she moved into the area two and a half years ago.
“After about five months our car was broken into and they stole about $6000 [of tools] from inside,” she said.
“Ever since, we’ve had graffiti sprayed over the side of our house on countless occasions. It’s not just our house, there’s graffiti on most of the properties along this street and the surrounding areas.’’
Ms Pham said many people passed through the street on the way to Middle Footscray railway station.
‘‘Last Sunday week, our security cameras captured our electricity smart meter having been tampered with.
“It’s disappointing some people have such little regard for the safety of others, because we also get dirty syringes and rubbish left in our yard.’’
Ms Pham said many neighbours shared her concerns.
“We don’t want to install high fences and be prisoners in our own homes, but we do feel vulnerable at times.”
A Victoria Street business owner said his property was regularly tagged with graffiti.
He said despite numerous complaints to Maribyrnong council and police, he had received little response.
Mayor Grant Miles said vandalism, especially graffiti, continued to be a significant problem across the city.
“We’re in the early stages of talking with traders to get a group together to address the issue within the Footscray CBD, but we really need the support of the broader community if we’re going to effectively tackle graffiti across Maribyrnong,” he said.
A police spokeswoman said they had not received any reports about graffiti or vandalism in Victoria Street.
