Hundreds of residents and business owners in Melbourne's west have rallied together, calling for tougher youth crime laws after a beloved shopkeeper was allegedly killed while trying to help a neighbour. The community is furious that a group of youths charged over the death of Van Viet Truong in Sunshine have been granted bail and are back on the street.
Community United in Grief and Anger
On one side of the street, anger, fear and frustration filled the air. Directly opposite, flowers outside his shop served as a stark reminder of why they had united.
"We're sad, but we're also proud. And we think he deserves something like this, a public memorial," community leader Phong Nguyen said.
Hundreds paid tribute to the 60-year-old grocery shop owner, all sharing the same sentiment.
"Terrible thing to have happened and I think we've got to be stronger on the violent kids," one resident said.
"The law needs to be strong. The law needs to be changed. Our community need to be safe," said Mey Welch, another local.
Details of the Incident
Mr Truong rushed to the aid of a neighbouring retail worker who was confronted by thieves. He paid with his life.
"The community here, I've never seen them hurting so badly," youth worker Graeme Blore said.
Two 14-year-old girls and a 12-year-old boy have been charged with assault. All three have been granted bail. A 15-year-old boy is behind bars, accused of manslaughter.
Calls for More Police and Resources
"I feel very sorry for the police as well. They are being inundated. They're not being resourced. And the west is being really left for dead," Blore said.
Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos concurred.
"They're not out here on the beat," she said. "What you see now is a knee-jerk reaction. And will it be consistent? Will it stay? We hope."
The state's police minister Anthony Carbines said Victoria Police have had additional patrols to drive community safety and confidence in the west and will continue to do that work.
But Opposition Leader Jess Wilson says that's not sufficient.
"This community has been demanding more police on the ground," she said. "They've seen police leave a growing community and it's not good enough."
Community's Message
The community's message was loud and clear.
"I don't want this to happen to you. I don't want anyone to get hurt. Enough is enough," Welch said.
