A group of Jewish residents fed up with a spate of violent crimes in Melbourne's south-east hope that banding together will help create safer streets for the community.
On Sunday, Caulfield businessman Avi Yemini up a Facebook page he's called J-Safe,
![The founders of the Facebook page says many suburbs where Jewish people live are being targeted because residents are ...](/web/20161126144127im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/8/z/d/j/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.go8vv7.png/1460954959168.jpg)
The page operates as a place for victims of crime to share their experiences and warn others about crimes in real-time.
Within 10 hours of it's debut it had attracted more than 6000 "likes".
![J-SAFE is a new Facebook page for Jewish Melbourne residents to discuss crimes.](/web/20161126144127im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/8/v/a/1/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.go8vv7.png/1460954959168.png)
Mr Yemini said the page had been created in response to a car-jacking in Elsternwick on Sunday.
"In recent months we've had escalating violence, not just here, but in greater Melbourne," Mr Yemini said.
"As a community, we've been hit quite hard. Every night, we're hearing about new crimes.
"There's a community in fear here."
Mr Yemini does not believe that Jewish people are being targeted because of their religion, but added that many suburbs where they live are being targeted because residents are considered wealthy.
J-Safe focuses on Caulfield, St Kilda, Elsternwick, Armadale, East Malvern and other south-east suburbs. Mr Yemini said many people claimed police had taken too long to respond to reported crimes.
"We want to work together, like a new Neighbourhood Watch. It's a good source of support for people who just don't have faith in the current police being able to help them."
He said that many residents have placed the blame for the spate of crimes on the infamous Apex gang, which was responsible for a terrifying brawl during Moomba in March.
Victoria Police have responded by pledging to clamp down on the gang..
The gang has been blamed for car-jackings, public fights and aggravated burglaries.
Premier Daniel Andrews has revealed the upcoming budget will provide for an extra 300 frontline police and technology upgrades, in part to tackle increasing gang violence.
Crime statistics released by Victoria Police revealed that, in 2015, there were 763 assaults, 108 robberies and 926 burglaries reported across the Port Phillip Council area, which covers suburbs including RIpponlea, Balaclava and St Kilda East.
Although J-Safe does not encourage vigilante action, Mr Yemini said he was aware that some residents have started their own street patrol.
Mr Yemini also set up a Change.org petition, calling for more police and resources for the area.
Although the page is focused on the Jewish community, all local residents who have been impacted by crime can join.
Victoria Police declined to comment.