A brutal assault on a shopkeeper in Melbourne's western suburb of Sunshine has left the community reeling and traders calling for increased police presence. Van Viet Truong, 60, remains in critical condition after allegedly being beaten by a group of youths aged between 12 and 15. The incident occurred on Wednesday when Mr. Truong reportedly intervened to prevent a robbery at a clothing store adjacent to his own Asian grocers on Hampshire Road.
Community Fears and Accusations
Locals have expressed deep concern over the safety of the area, with some suggesting the suburb's name, Sunshine, is no longer fitting, with one trader suggesting it should be renamed 'Darkness'. "Everyone is afraid," one local told reporters, describing a perceived decline in the area over recent years. Traders claim that police presence has diminished, leaving them vulnerable to crime. They allege that police only appeared in force after the attack to "put on a show for the cameras."
Traders reported instances of protection racketeering and described being turned away by police when reporting assaults. "The police said they won't come. The victim had to go to the police station," one man recounted, stating that officers advised him to "only call the police when someone is bleeding or some property is damaged." Another shopkeeper stated that police had become inactive in the area approximately two years prior, a stark contrast to their presence "about three or four years ago."
Mr. Truong, who along with his wife and mother-in-law operated the Hong Hung Asian grocers for over two decades, is known in the community as a hardworking man who would not stand by if others were in danger. CCTV footage reportedly shows him giving chase to alleged shoplifters before the altercation, during which he is said to have been struck multiple times and fell, hitting his head on the ground. Police described his head injuries as "unsurvivable."
Police Response and Political Context
Victoria Police have refuted claims of neglect. Acting Commander Troy Papworth stated that police presence in the Sunshine area has been enhanced following the incident, with officers providing "support and ongoing reassurance." He acknowledged the community's concern, stating that the attack "no doubt had a ripple effect through the entire community and has caused angst and concern in Melbourne's west." Commander Papworth asserted that police patrol the western suburbs 24/7 and that frontline patrols have been maintained and even enhanced, with administrative duties being handled by public servants to allow officers to focus on community presence.
The alleged attack occurred days after the Victorian Premier Ben Carroll introduced new retail worker protection laws. These laws aim to give courts the power to restrict access to workplaces for individuals who assault, intimidate, or stalk workers. Premier Carroll has called for the teenagers involved in the assault to be tried as adults. However, Opposition Leader Jess Wilson criticized the government, alleging that Labor's proposed legislation would not take effect until mid-next year, contrasting it with a Liberal bill that she claimed would have immediate effect.
In children's court, the mother of the 12-year-old accused assailant made an unsuccessful plea for her son's bail, expressing concerns for his mental and physical well-being. Magistrate Robyn Hamilton noted that the boy's alleged actions had "resulted in the worst possible outcome." Several of the teenagers involved are expected to have their bail applications reviewed in court later this week.