In an effort to curb violence and anti-social behaviour in the Mandurah CBD, the city has recruited a security team to conduct nighttime foot patrols during summer.
The 20-week trial ending March 30, 2019, involves five Rooforce security officers patrolling central streets including Smart Street Mall, Mandurah Terrace, Tuckey’s Lane and the foreshore.
Officer Tony Free said the patrols should be a continual service, when he briefed Mandurah City councillors at the recent December 4 committee meeting.
We look forward to seeing what impact it will have on reducing crime.
- Coastal Ward councillor Tahlia Jones
“We have some issues in the city centre and this is something we want to do on an ongoing basis,” he said.
“The officers are using a soft approach and working with businesses and police to make the CBD safer.”
Mr Free said police were busy at multiple jobs and could not always provide a “rapid response” to anti-social CBD incidents.
Coastal Ward councillor Tahlia Jones said crime, real or perceived, was a constant challenge in Mandurah.
“Until these issues are addressed there will be an ongoing barrier,” she said.
Cr Jones congratulated the city on offering this service to the community.
“We look forward to seeing what impact it will have on reducing crime,” she said.
Until these issues are addressed there will be an ongoing barrier.
- Coastal Ward councillor Tahlia Jones
Mandurah Police Senior Sergeant Anthony Nemeth said police were working with the security team and the City of Mandurah to patrol the CBD over summer.
“There will be a greater visibility and presence during the day and nighttime,” he said.
“More attention will be given to to the CBD on Friday and Saturday nights, in particular, to attend to any issues that may arise.
“There will be extra eyes and ears on the street to combat issues earlier.”
We are encouraging our community and visitors to linger longer in the city centre and along the foreshore.
- Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams
Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams said a “vibrant, connected and culturally enriched city centre” was vital to social and economic success.
“We are encouraging our community and visitors to linger longer in the city centre and along the foreshore,” he said.
Mr Williams said events and projects livening up the area included Winter Wonderland, the Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games and the planned waterfront and Smart Street Mall redevelopment.
“The night time foot patrols are just one of the activations the city is supporting in order to ensure a visible presence,” he said.