Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating fake and offensive letters designed to look like they were issued by the City of Greater Dandenong.
Greater Dandenong Local Area Commander, Inspector Mark Langhorn, says the letter is illegitimately using the City of Greater Dandenong's letterhead and deceptively claiming the council is introducing new bylaws influenced by the Islamic faith.
"We believe the letters have been placed into residents' letterboxes and been circulating the southern suburbs since late last week," Inspector Langhorn said.
"We want to assure the community that we have consulted with the council and the contents of the letter are absolutely false.
"Every Victorian has the right to feel safe and secure in the community and in practising their faith, pursuing their values, beliefs and interests.
"We treat all crime seriously, including those that attempt to incite prejudice, racism or discrimination in our community.
"We are urging anyone who has received this letter to keep it in a safe place and carefully take it into their local police station.
"Anyone with CCTV footage is also encouraged to retain this and contact Crime Stoppers, as this will be valuable to detectives investigating the crime."
