My constituency question is to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, and it relates to a derelict property being used as a drug den only metres from Dandenong West Primary School in Hemmings Street, Dandenong.
Local residents have contacted the police and the local council on numerous occasions relating to behaviour at this property. The house is frequented by squatters who have been observed conducting drug deals, injecting drugs and lighting fires. Primary school-age children walk past this property on a daily basis.
Local police state they conduct regular proactive patrols of the area which includes Hemmings Street and surrounding areas as part of Operation Tidal.
My question for the minister for police is: what other options and activities are available to Victoria Police besides the foot patrols to ensure that this activity at this property in Hemmings Street ceases?