Published in the Northcote Leader, Wednesday 8 May 2014
POLICE will investigate alleged drug deals at a Thornbury telephone box following concerns expressed by traders.
Northcote Sergeant Lee-Anne Hamilton said police would compile an information report on suspected drug deals at the phone box on the corner of High and Benjamin streets, despite traders not raising their concerns directly with the station.
Umberto Espresso Bar owner Marco Finanzio, whose restaurant is opposite the phone box in question, said he wanted it removed.
“We see the call, we see the drop off and pick up,” Mr Finanzio said.
He said people “looking to score” regularly came into his restaurant to ask for change to use the box.
Profile Doors manager Kevin Mulholland said he also saw people “hanging around” the telephone box who often came into the shop asking for money.
Sgt Hamilton said it was important for traders to contact police and their council if they had a problem.
“Having a relationship with our traders in our local community is our bread and butter,” Sgt Hamilton said.
Darebin Council said while it supported local businesses, the need for the phone box was significant.
“Public telephones provide an essential service to many in our community and relocating or removing the telephone box will only displace the problem without solving it,” Darebin Mayor Gaetano Greco said.
Mr Finanzio said the phone box was a repeated source of trouble.
Jemimah Clegg 