Prahran Community Expresses Concerns Over Crime and Vacancy Rates
Residents of Windsor, Prahran, and South Yarra, suburbs in inner Melbourne, have voiced concerns regarding increased crime, public safety, and a rise in vacant shops along Chapel Street. A rally, attended by approximately 100 individuals, was held outside Prahran Town Hall to address these community issues.
Voices from the Rally: Community Grievances Highlighted
The rally focused on several critical local issues, including crime rates, feelings of insecurity at night, challenges faced by retailers, Stonnington Council debt, and public drug use. Speakers also criticized the council's recent parking changes.
Jonathon Kelly, a Windsor resident, shared his personal experiences:
"My car was stolen, and my home broken into twice within a year. I've noted a decline in Chapel Street's status as a shopping destination."
Tim Morffew, owner of Thurston and Howell boutique, highlighted the struggles of local businesses:
"Retailers are struggling, and my staff and customers frequently encounter aggressive and antisocial behavior."
Felipe Strahovsky, a South Yarra local, expressed concerns about public spaces:
"My children are encountering syringes and bottles in public spaces."
Rally co-organizer Gary Mann advocated for proactive solutions:
"Authorities need to implement creative solutions to revitalize the area, such as increased greenery, pop-up shops in vacant premises, footpath repairs, and stricter liquor laws."
Co-organizer Natalie Doherty described feeling unsafe in Prahran:
"I'm encountering individuals yelling and stepping over vomit, feces, and syringes."
Diverse Perspectives and Economic Snapshot
Judy Gold, a Windsor resident who did not attend the rally, offered a contrasting view. While acknowledging an increase in rough sleepers, she views it as a broader societal issue. She maintained that the area remains suitable for raising a family. Gold also noted that Chapel Street has historically experienced periods of both prosperity and challenge, including issues with noise, crime, and rubbish.
Data from late January indicates a 15.3 percent vacancy rate for shopfronts on Chapel Street. This figure compares to 10.1 percent on Fitzroy Street and 6.7 percent on Acland Street, suggesting a particular challenge for Chapel Street.
Council and Government Responses
Stonnington Council chief executive Dale Dickson stated that the mayor offered to meet rally organizers but received no response. Dickson indicated that many of the issues raised fall under the responsibility of the state government. He defended the new parking fees as comparable to those in other council areas.
The council has also taken steps to address community concerns:
- A review of Chapel Street lighting has been commissioned.
- An additional 825 hours were spent on precinct cleaning in late 2025.
- Dickson disputed claims of a $100 million council debt, clarifying that the forecast debt of $73.9 million by the end of 2025-26 is manageable and within borrowing limits.
- Council officers are increasing joint patrols with police, and the council has invested in Prahran police station CCTV and supported outreach services.
Crime statistics show a 6.5 percent increase in total criminal incidents in Stonnington in 2025 compared to 2024, with stealing from motor vehicles being the most common crime. However, police reported a 7.5 percent decrease in crime specifically on Chapel Street and a 12 percent decrease in retail, serious, and violent crimes during the same period. Under Operation Safenight, 17 arrests were made on Chapel Street on Friday and Saturday nights this year.
A Victorian government spokesperson acknowledged the need for ongoing work to ensure community safety, citing crime crackdowns such as changes to bail laws and