Arabic version: تجمّع في صنشاين يطالب بحضور شرطي أقوى بعد وفاة صاحب متجر
According to ABC News, community members rallied in Sunshine, Melbourne’s west, calling for tougher bail laws, more police resources and stronger safety measures after grocery store owner Van Viet Truong died. The vigil, organised by the Vietnamese Mothers in Australia Community, was held in the shopping precinct to support Mr Truong’s family and raise concerns about violent crime.
Mr Truong, 60, died in hospital on Wednesday, days after he was allegedly bashed while trying to stop a group of teenagers suspected of stealing clothes from a nearby business. He had run his Sunshine grocery store for more than 30 years. A 15-year-old boy charged with manslaughter remains in custody, while a 12-year-old boy and two 14-year-old girls were released on bail after being charged with affray and intentionally causing serious injury.
About 100 people attended the rally, where speakers urged residents to take their views on bail laws to the ballot box in November. Some attendees described feeling scared and frustrated. Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos said the community was experiencing collective grief and anger, and said traders and staff were afraid as violent crime escalated in Sunshine.
Cr Tachos said the council was considering better lighting and other security measures, while seeking permanent police patrols and an expansion of the Community Connector Program to Sunshine. The program links young people at stations and other gathering places with services and support. Sunshine Business Association vice-president John Girardi said business owners wanted a greater police presence and faster responses to incidents.
Victoria Police said it had increased patrols during the past week and would continue providing support and reassurance as needed. It said reduced public counter hours at some Melbourne west stations enabled more officers to patrol streets. Members of the Australian Vietnamese Refugee National Council also performed traditional ceremonies outside Mr Truong’s shop, with president Phong Nguyen describing him as “one of the quiet heroes.”
