Sunshine community rallies for stricter bail laws and more police after shopkeeper's death

Residents of Sunshine gathered to demand tougher bail measures and increased police patrols following the fatal beating of grocery store owner Van Viet Truong.

Sunshine residents assembled in the town centre to honour Van Viet Truong, a 60-year-old grocery store proprietor who died in hospital after being allegedly assaulted while trying to stop teenagers suspected of shoplifting. The gathering, arranged by the Vietnamese Mothers in Australia Community, called for tougher bail laws and a permanent boost in police patrols on local streets. Legal proceedings include a 15-year-old charged with manslaughter who remains detained, and a 12-year-old boy and two 14-year-old girls released on bail for affray and serious injury offences.

Local officials highlighted a surge in violent incidents, noting that shop staff and council workers feel unsafe, and advocated for better street lighting and the extension of the Community Connector youth-outreach program to the area. Business leaders echoed the need for faster police response times and mentioned some retailers are hiring private security. Victoria Police confirmed they have increased patrols and will continue to provide visible support as required.