By Jaidyn Kennedy
The recently opened play space and picnic area in Seabrook’s Pipeline Reserve was welcomed by locals until a group of violent teenagers took over, according to a long-time resident.
Ray Wright, an 80-year-old retired ostrich farmer and resident of over 27 years whose property backs onto the park, said that the group of teens had turned the park into a meeting place where they abuse and intimidate locals.
“They play loud music filled with profanities, drink alcohol, smoke, take drugs, swear, break bottles, urinate in full view of everyone and abuse anyone who dares to ask them to tone it down,” Mr Wright said.
“Families now leave as soon as they see this group coming for fear of what may occur.”
Estimating their ages as being between 13-17, Mr Wright said the teens congregate in groups as large as 15 people.
“Myself and some of the neighbours are forced to clean the area out of a fear that the children will injure themselves on broken glass,” he said.
“We have removed bottles, glass, a bong, cleaned urine, and removed rubbish left behind.”
Mr Wright said he also fears for the safety of his four foster great-grandchildren.
“These kids mean the world to me and to think that their safety is threatened by these thugs sickens me.
“They should be allowed to play in peace, but I have to keep them inside when I hear these mongrel bandits.
“Why should kids under the age of ten have to be subjected to despicable lyrics about killing people, dealing drugs, sexually trafficking women and witness obscene acts?”
Mr Wright said he has called the police on three occasions for only two in-person responses.
“While the police were there, the kids hurled abuse at me and the police, then threw bottles at my house and fence, smashing glass everywhere and breaking the fence,” he said.
“The police said ‘there is not much we can do about it’ and left soon afterwards.”
He also expressed concern for his own safety.
“Having missiles flung into my home and glass broken is a serious concern.
“I am now a target for these hooligans and worry about what they might do to my home and cars.”
The great-grandfather said he has tried his best to help the teenagers but that all attempts were rejected.
“I saw one of the teenagers crying on the bench in the park, so I walked over to him and asked if he was alright, but he turned around and called me a fat, old– you probably can’t print this, but it’s a four letter word that starts with c,” he said.
Mr Wright said that one of the teenagers has terrorised another neighbour’s five autistic children over several years, including physically attacking them.
Mr Wright and several other residents are calling upon Hobsons Bay City Council to increase safety measures in Pipeline Reserve.
“Ideally, CCTV or cameras of some sort would be of great help in identifying them.
“The neighbours and I are very concerned and think that lights under the barbecue area may deter them somewhat.”
A Hobsons Bay Council spokesperson said that “CCTV is not typically included in play space redevelopments across the city.”
“Extensive community engagement was undertaken to inform the design of Pipeline Reserve to develop a safe and amenable space. Solar lighting is already located within the vicinity of the playground along the shared path.”
Council said it was working with police to monitor the situation.
“In the first instance Council encourages people to report any anti-social behaviour which presents a safety issue to VicPol as the key agency for these matters,“ the spokesperson said.
“Council also liaises with VicPol on a regular occurrence in relation to public safety issues”
Altona police said they are aware of youths causing trouble in the area and are engaging with the Proactive Policing Unit to identify those involved and any offences that may have been committed.
