Sergeant Dave Knowles, Constable Rick Groen and Senior Constable John Stevenson are part of a new five-officer team patrolling Hoon Hay and Rowley to crack down on crime.
- Police promise to patrol the streets of Hoon Hay pays off
- Greater police presence promised after crime meeting
The increased police presence is in response to a community meeting in November when major concerns were raised about ongoing youth crime, vehicle break-ins and burglaries.
Miss Mowbray has lived in the area for about 17 years and knows people who have been victims of crime, such as assaults, in the past.
She has also witnessed disorderly behaviour, including verbal abuse, particularly coming from young people.
Said Miss Mowbray: “It’s just gone from bad to worse, you see some of these young people and you think why are you not at home?
“I’m just so happy to see that the police are getting more involved and then hopefully we can put a stop to all of this rubbish that’s happening, because it’s not fair on us who have been here for years and years."
She said police have a tough job patrolling Hoon Hay but “are doing the best they can, in my opinion".
Sergeant Knowles said his team is aiming to reduce the type of crime and behaviour people are most concerned about in Hoon Hay.
“Whilst we will deal with other matters, we will initially concentrate on dishonesty and crimes involving the person, such as assaults, threats, intimidation and the like,” he said.
Sergeant Knowles did not say how many hours a week will be devoted to policing Hoon Hay from now on.
Instead he said: “Our intention is to work to the demand rather than set a specific number of hours.
"All the usual police sections are available and will attend to incidents and emergencies depending on the nature of the incident."
He and the four other officers have been out talking to Hoon Hay residents about how the community can play a part in preventing the crimes they are concerned about.
"We have concentrated on the McCarthy St area and are looking for positive results here, which I’m sure will impact on the greater community.
"We want to ensure people are safe and feel safe and will provide crime prevention advice.
"We are engaging with community patrols and Neighbourhood Support who will be conducting visits to some of those persons within their group.
“These are community problems and they require a whole of community solution. We want the community to be our eyes and ears and to report matters as they are taking place," he said.
