Daylight dealers

By BEN CAMERON

Resident says drug deals are being struck in broad daylight…

DAY and night drug deals in the Cardinia Grove Estate has left a Pakenham mother of four fearful for her family’s safety.
The mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was reluctant to let her children, aged between 15 and four, play outside due to deals occurring in broad daylight in front of her home.
She contacted the Pakenham Gazette just before Christmas out of sheer frustration and often intimidation, as a property in Elderberry Way had become a haven for drug activity over the past six months.
“One time two males in their 20s sat parked outside my home for 35 to 40 minutes,” she said.
“They only left after my husband came home from work and stared them down.
“I don’t let my kids go near this place, I don’t want them exposed.”
She said she had to install temporary fencing to stop undesirables parking on her nature strip.
“It’s been going on the past six months,” she said.
“This property is, basically, a half-way house for junkies.
“I never feel safe, I’ve had enough.”
She said a young male appeared to be the main culprit.
“It’s a young bloke, aged between 17 and 20, he seems to be the main person involved,” she said.
“It’s disgusting. It’s all day, every day, it’s constant, it’s at all hours.
“I’ve told the police, and I’m sure they’re checking, but if feels like nothing has changed.”
Pakenham Criminal Investigation Unit Sergeant Richard Dawson said he was not aware of any concerns with drug crime in the area.
“It isn’t ringing any bells,” he said.
“We get reports of drug crime all over Pakenham, sometimes it is, sometimes it isn’t.
“But I’ll make some inquiries into the situation.”
He urged all residents with concerns to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppers.com.au for their Dob In A Dealer campaign.