An Instagram page has taken the initiative to publicize some concerning imagery and videos of the Queen City’s homeless and drug epidemics. The page is crudely titled “burlington_looks_like_shxt”, it has at least 36,300 followers and more than 300 posts.
There are numerous public comments. Generally, folks are upset but not surprised. Some are ready to take this media to the City Council.
Instagram user ‘HippieOnAHitch’ posted this comment to a photo showing a large amount of trash in an alleyway.
“Where the [‘firetruck’] are the police? This piles up THAT much and no officer can drive by and see open drug use ? Seems like it wouldn’t take long to see, given how much crap has piled up. My goodness.”
Another photo is labeled as taken at 128 College St. It depicts two adults lying down in a stairwell from apparent drug use.
‘St8Rocker999’ wrote, “Lastly, Burlington is a slum. If you’re a landlord you will default be a slum lord. Because Burlington voters and council made it that way. I’d like to see everyone bitching try Matt’s job. You need a good dose of it.”
Who started it?
Instagram does not require users to reveal their real identities to the public. There’s no real name or identification on the account. Its description reads, “Your Front Seat To The Burlington Shitshow. Not here to make a difference. Link For Merch Below.”
In its archives some disturbing and sometimes graphic content can be seen. Sometimes it’s happening right among the city’s main hangouts.
On Church St
One video shows an old man stumbling around with no shirt on in the middle of Church St., the city’s most popular shopping and dining area. The clip shows folks pass by and try not to interact with him as he stumbles around.
‘Burlington looks like shxt’ wrote “First you wake up to this, then you go to church st to view another, go run an errand and see someone jump on a car and then have a few drinks before heading home to get the final show!!! #burlingtonvt”
Spraying mase?
According to one commenter on the stairwell picture, folks who choose to confront a homeless person need to be ready for potential danger.
A mother wrote, “you would be surprised a lot of them carry bear mace and use it often on innocent people it’s insane smh I’ve seen someone try to do it to a handicap elderly man for confronting them about being on his property shooting up it’s such a disgrace me and another man walking by had to intervene.”
Intimidation?
On a photo that depicts a group of homeless pushing carts past a school bus, a commenter posted that sometimes he will get intimidating looks.
‘Macaronitime47’ wrote, “I see this group of scoundrels so much more than Id like too. They will just walk down the dead center of the street 3 people wide and look at you as if youre in the wrong driving in your vehicle. 😂”
Taking it to the Council?
‘fire4effect0811’ also commented on the video of the old man noted that they are ready to take action.
“I’m gonna start sending these in a message to the city council and police commission,” she wrote.
Brazen theft on Main St.?
There’s a surveillance video of two people walking away from a car with numerous packed bags.
Ryan Harris wrote, “Hello everyone. This is my stuff that was stolen from my driveway on Main Street. I (almost) always am sure to take my things out of my car but got home late and forgot the one backpack. First and last time I’m making this careless mistake.”
Graphic and candid
There are many photos and videos to see, including videos of arrests, videos of people passed out with needles around them, videos of folks using the needles, videos of fights, and other candid and graphic content. The general public – even if you don’t have an account with Instagram, can see all the photos and videos here.
