By Afraa Kori
Local workers and residents say they’re shaken as police search for a suspect in an alleged shooting at a Beaconsfield shopping strip last month.
Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit detectives say a group of men were involved in a physical altercation on Old Princes Highway at about 2.30pm on 7 February.
During the melee, one of the offenders produced a handgun and fired two shots. Fortunately, no one was struck by the shots and all those involved fled the scene in vehicles shortly afterwards.
A 22-year-old Cranbourne man and 19-year-old Narre Warren South man have since been charged with affray and bailed to face Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 15 May and 18 June respectively.
Despite the two arrests, the gunman appears to be still at large and police have released CCTV footage of a man they want to speak to. He is perceived to be aged in his 20s, about 180cm tall with a solid build and tanned complexion. He is also depicted wearing a black Nike T-shirt, black pants and white shoes.
Anyone who recognises the man is urged to come forward.
A worker at a shop near the shooting scene, feels scared that Beaconsfield is becoming unliveable.
Her store was recently broken into, and her home neighborhood in Casey has also been a target for theft.
Her husband and dog passed away last year, leaving her without the security and support she once had, which has only made the situation more difficult.
She has taken extra security measures by hiding her car keys and jewellery in different places, ensuring everything is locked, and installing a ring security camera and dowell windows for added protection.
“People shouldn’t have to live like this. At the end of the day, you can’t keep dwelling on it because it just makes you paranoid, and you start looking at everyone suspiciously,” she said
“Whenever I go for a walk now, I always have my phone and keys with me. Then when I get home, I wonder if someone’s been watching me or waiting for me.
“I like to walk to the beach, and if my girlfriend’s not coming, I panic because I have to cross the highway and go through a track. If I know she’s not coming, sometimes I don’t want to go anymore.
“It’s really scary living alone. If I hear a noise at night, I turn on my phone flash and check the cameras to make sure no one’s around.”
Frustrated by ongoing crime, people in local community groups and apps have started organizing midnight patrols to take matters into their own hands and protect the neighborhood, she says.
“The community is pulling together—most of us, at least,.
“People aren’t just living in paranoia; they’re reaching a point where they might take the law into their own hands. The government needs to take action, for God’s sake, they need to care about us.”
Another local resident acknowledges the police efforts and recognizes that Victoria is a great state, but expresses frustration with the current situation.
“I feel sorry for the police, having to arrest and attend traumatic events, only to see the same offender a week later,” he said.
“Our bail laws aren’t tough, and it’s the current Labor government that has weakened them. It’s frustrating to see them pretend they’re tough on crime after nearly a decade in power.
“The lack of accountability is the most frustrating part. It feels like we’re being treated like fools. I can’t wait for (state opposition leader) Brad (Battin) to take charge, take accountability like an adult, and fix the mess he’s been left with.“
Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
