Complaints have been made about overgrown plants and vegetation originating from the land which is making it difficult for people to comfortably walk on the footpath.

Resident of the street, Abby Cowen said that it is almost impossible for two people to walk side by side because of the overgrown plants.

“It’s even more difficult when there are two people walking because there is never enough room.”

“If the land can’t be maintained then they should just cut it all down, it’d be much easier,” Cowen said.

Overgrown bushes obstructing the footpath on Riddell Parade

Another local voiced her concerns over the lack of responsibility taken for the land on Riddell Parade.

“In the last storm one of the trees fell over from that land and we had to walk on the road for almost ten days because it took that long for anyone to actually clean it up.”

“It’s a real lack of attention really.”

The land along Riddell Parade is owned by a company called VicTrack, however it is leased out to Metro Trains and is therefore their responsibility. Spokesperson for Victrack, Jason Murray said that VicTrack has no responsibility for the land.

“VicTrack is the owner of Victoria’s railway corridor; however most of this land is leased to the rail operators who are then responsible for maintenance of the leased land and railway assets.”

“The area along Riddell Parade is held by Metro Trains under their infrastructure lease,” Murray said.

Locals have made an official complaint with Metro Trains and are awaiting a reply.

Evidence of crime lines the walls of Elsternwick Station.

TEASER: Locals are eager for more police patrols of Elsternwick Station as assault offences rise in the area and graffiti continues to deface the suburb.

A rise in reported assaults and public safety concerns are urging police to ‘up the ante’ in monitoring Elsternwick Station

As a suburb of the Glen Eira Council, Elsternwick is subject to the 13.7 per cent increase in reported assaults since mid 2010.

Many locals suggest Elsternwick Station exemplifies the percentage rise, as underage drinking, drug use and abusive behaviour have been seen taking place at the station.

Recently a drunken teenage girl verbally assaulted local resident, Kate Jones who was with a friend at the station.

“We were scared of catching the train at night for a while as there were rumours that she had a knife”, she says.

A 2010/2011 Crime Statistics Report released by Victorian Police confirms there has been a significant 92.3 per cent increase of assault offences recorded in railway car parks statewide.

The report also reveals a 3.7 per cent increase in assault offences reported at Victorian train stations.

Locals believe further police protection could help manage the rising number of assaults. Jones has not seen police regularly patrolling Elsternwick Station and surrounding areas.

“I haven’t seen any policemen at Elsternwick Station recently”, she says.

However neighbouring shop owner to the station, Suzette Diaz is noticing more undercover police roving the station.

“There is a guy coming in for two hours just on a bike here. It started today and it’s going to be everyday in the mornings”, she says.

Caulfield Police Station refused to make any comment.

Many locals are noticing more vandalism in the area, with graffiti heavily lining the railway walls, bridge and surrounding car parks. Diaz is struggling to see any eradication of the spray paint.

“I have never noticed them removing graffiti”, she says.

Metro services assist police in the area with authorised officers roaming the train lines and CCTV cameras, which can help identify vandals.

Metro spokesperson, Daniel Hoare suggests Elsternwick Station has sufficient security.

“The station has an emergency button for customers on the platform. Police can respond quickly in the case of an emergency”, he says.

Police have been notified of a stalking incident on the Sandringham line, where Elsternwick Station is a major stop. A middle aged man reportedly followed a woman on and off the train in the afternoon of February 6th.

Citizens who can assist police with any information about the alleged stalker should report information to Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Recorded Offences of selected crimes in Glen Eira Local Government Area (Elsternwick included)

Do you think there is enough police protection at Elsternwick Station? Have your say.