Darkthorn’s Blog

FRANKSTON: SECURITY ON THE RISE
frankston security/herbert/june 28/300 words
By Rosemarie Herbert

Improvements to security at Frankston Train Station have included the establishment of a Safer City Centre (2002), the implementation of a Hoon Hotline (2005) and an Ambassador Program (2006).

Currently, gentle classical music is played throughout Frankston Train Station and Young Street in an effort to reduce vandalism and graffiti in the area.

The station master at Frankston claimed that undesirables have an aversion to the music, but it seemed to be frustrating everyone else as well.

“We have found that those the music was set to target have mostly been driven away. Everyone else has a bit of a dislike of it too though,” he said.

Frankston has a notorious history with young people fulfilling the stereotype role of erratic drivers, drag racing, wilful damage, suspect loiterers and thieves.

One incident in March 2008 saw two teenagers performing vandalism and graffiti acts on trains causing more than $5000 worth of damage.

Drug use, antisocial behaviour and vandalism are all set to be targeted by the Frankston 2025 Community Planner.

A suggestion is for local businesses to create graffiti walls for local artists to display their work in designated areas.

The use of security guards has dealt with problems such as young people gathering in reserves on Friday and Saturday nights and causing disturbances to neighbours.

Some reserves have been deemed “no entry” areas at night to further reduce the problem.

A Safer City Centre, established in 2002 in conjunction with Victoria Police and Wilson Group Services, is located directly opposite the Frankston Train Station.

Regular foot police patrols in the area keep theft to a minimum, as well as protecting walkers and businesses in the area from unwanted advances.

The Centre, which is accessible to all visitors and residents of Frankston, is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm.

ENDS