The debate over rising crime in Hastings has escalated following a protest outside the office of Paul Mercurio MP, with protest organiser Rowan May criticising the MP’s response to community concerns.
May, who has been actively advocating for stronger measures against youth crime, rejected Mercurio’s claims that he has been in “daily contact” with police as a meaningful solution.
A Small But Vocal Protest
While the protest was not large, it was vocal, with locals determined to have their concerns heard. Many attendees held signs and called for stronger action against crime in the area.
Among those present was Bill, a Frankston resident who remained in his car due to difficulties walking but still attended to show his support.
“I wanted to be here to support the community and advocate for change because crime is affecting everywhere,”
Bill told STPL News.
‘Actions Speak Louder Than Words’
May told STPL News that simply communicating with law enforcement does not equate to real action on crime prevention.
“In my opinion, that is completely redundant. Actions speak louder than words—simply being in communication with police does not end crime, does not stop children committing crimes, and does not prevent offences from occurring on a daily basis,”
May said.
He pointed to a series of recent incidents, including an early morning break-in at the Aldi store in Hastings, where alcohol was stolen, and another at Westernport Mobility, a long-standing business servicing the disabled community, where two mobility scooters were stolen.
“This is yet again more evidence of a lack of real care and a lack of response to community outrage,”
He added.
Disappointment Over Mercurio’s Absence
A key frustration for protesters was that Paul Mercurio did not attend the demonstration, nor did he arrange for a representative from his office to be present. Many saw this as a missed opportunity for the local MP to engage directly with the community.
“The least he could have done was send someone from his office to listen to the concerns of the people he represents,”
May said.
“Instead, he’s making statements from afar while the community is out here demanding action.”
Breakdown in Communication with Mercurio’s Office
May also refuted claims from Mercurio’s office that he had refused multiple offers to meet.
“I gave the local MP the option to meet with me—even if it was over Zoom—and asked him to name a time and date. No response was provided, other than a claim that I refused to give them my direct phone number,”
He said.
May stated that he had postponed direct engagement with Mercurio after the MP publicly accused him of being “disrespectful and rude” in response to another individual’s comment.
“Given his office’s response, I do not believe a meeting at this point would be productive,”
He said, though he confirmed he will consider arranging a follow-up meeting with Mercurio.
Mercurio’s Response
In a statement previously provided to others who raised concerns about crime, Mercurio acknowledged the distress caused by local crime, particularly repeat offences by a small group of offenders.
“I absolutely share your concerns about crime,”
He said.
“People should not have to live in fear when they go to the shops. Only last week, I had two people walking in my street trying car doors to see if they were unlocked. I sent the footage to Crime Stoppers.”
Mercurio stated that he has been in “almost daily contact” with police since an incident in Somerville earlier this month and has been raising concerns over bail laws with his parliamentary colleagues.
“The Premier has instructed the Attorney-General and the Minister for Police to review our current bail laws and to take into account what police and the community are telling us,”
He said.
Despite this, protesters remain sceptical that any immediate solutions will come from the government’s review.
As tensions continue, STPL News will follow developments on the issue.
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