Victoria Police clarify advice on safety of women walking alone in parks

Victoria Police have clarified advice on the safety of women in park and open space areas following the after the stabbing death of teenager Masa Vukotic in a Melbourne suburban park last week.

Detective Inspector Mick Hughes, who has been leading the investigation into the fatal stabbing of the 17-year-old, said the tragedy had highlighted concerns for the personal safety of women in public areas.

In an interview with ABC Radio National on Thursday morning (19th March), he urged women to be a "little bit more careful" walking in parks alone.

Detective Inspector Hughes stated "I suggest to people, particularly females, they shouldn't be alone in parks - I'm sorry to say that that is the case.

"We just need to be a little bit more careful, a little bit more security-conscious and we as a public need to look after each other."

Later on Thursday afternoon, the senior detective said he "never actually said" that woman should not walk alone.

He explained “we've said you need to be aware of your circumstances - we encourage people to walk together, females to walk together, but if you're by yourself you just need to be aware of your circumstances, take reasonable precautions.”

When asked how practical that suggestion was Detective Inspector Hughes said it was about taking reasonable precautions.

He added "I don't think we can live our life in fear ... we really just need to look after each other.

"And I guess, just be a little bit discreet about where we are.”

The comments drew criticism and Detective Inspector Hughes was later asked to confirm if Victoria Police maintained its position that women should not be walking in parks alone.

He stated "we've never actually said that.”

In a public blog on Victoria Police's website, Assistant Commissioner Steve Fontana said he was disappointed at how quick the community was to criticise Detective Inspector Hughes over the warning.

Assistant Commissioner Fontana wrote “Mick's words were heartfelt from a seasoned homicide investigator who has seen more than his share of tragedy.

"Yes, Mick did say that he believes people, particularly women, shouldn't walk alone.

"At the time he did this early morning interview the squad were under a lot of pressure and Mick was working extremely long hours … all with the goal of finding this killer."

He said at the time, the police were concentrating on finding a suspect who was believed to be likely to commit further crimes.

Assistant Commissioner Fontana added "he didn't respond as clearly as he wanted but I can assure you his number one priority was about protecting the community

"That is why, later in the day, he talked about how everyone needs to look after each other."

"Mick's words were heartfelt from a seasoned homicide investigator who has seen more than his share of tragedy.

"The only thing Mick feels he can do, apart from track down and charge offenders, is tell people how to be safe and alert."

Image used for illustrative purposes only.