Music may move vandals to vacate

MOVES are afoot to stamp out vandalism in Pakenham, but whether its through music, muscle, movies or other means is yet to be decided.

Police, Cardinia Shire Council and Pakenham Business Group officials are banding together to put the lid on escalating problems of graffiti and other property damage.

Shops in Main Street and around the central business district have suffered several attacks of vandalism in recent times.

The latest outburst came last week when three windows were smashed at Pakenham Produce and Saddlery. Graffitti was also scrawled on the shopfront.

Pakenham Produce and Saddlery operator Kalinda Knox said vandalism was a major issue for traders.

Mrs Knox is secretary of the business group, which is encouraging operators to keep their shopfronts welllit in a bid to deter people from hanging around at night.

Were really trying to tackle the issue, she said.

We also want people to get rid of graffiti as soon as possible so as not to encourage more.

Councillor Kate Lempriere recently raised the prospect of classical music or golden oldies being piped through the main street to discourage vandals and hoons.

Cr Lempriere said there had been 300 instances of vandalism in Pakenham in the past three months.

The council has also acknowledged the need to provide more activities and facilities such as new recreation centres and cinemas to keep young people off the streets although such major developments are still some way off.

Pakenhambased District Inspector Chris Notman said police had made decreasing property damage a priority.

Weve been targeting the CBD and we believe our increased presence in the area has been helping. The number of offences has reduced in recent weeks, Insp Notman said.

Police will continue to work with the council and traders to reduce what has been acknowledged as a major problem.

Frankston has piped classical music into its main street for several years, and Craigieburn Leisure Centre in Melbournes north has recently begun playing music from Beethoven to Barry Manilow to discourage teenagers from loitering at the centre.