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Fremantle: crime perception highlighted at community forum

Leah RobertsFremantle Gazette

A FORUM has highlighted the perception of crime still being an issue in Fremantle, despite actual crime rates dropping.

On Monday, November 12 residents, businesses, local politicians and community groups discussed a new community safety strategy for the City, as well as current issues of retail theft and anti-social behaviour.

Fremantle Police senior sergeant Brad Warburton said the forum was a terrific opportunity to hear ideas of how different groups can work together.

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“Statistically, crime is reduced in Fremantle compared with previous years,” he said.

“It is the result of efforts of not only WA Police but other key partners who are focused on community safety.”

Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk said she was incredibly lucky to live just outside the Freo CBD but it was not an area without its challenges.

“These vary depending on the location and the time of day,” she said.

“If there’s a perception that Fremantle is unsafe than that is a problem in itself.

“There’s no single solution for keeping our community safe, we need to look at the data and experience from other cities to learn what works.”

Fremantle Police acting officer in charge Phil Gazzone said Fremantle Police will be patrolling hot spots location on foot and bicycle across the CBD.

“Information and intelligence sharing by all is key in order to understand the behaviours and better inform decision making when targeting this crime type,” he said.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the forum was a good mix of people who could provided different angles.

“There are good ideas in the community and the non-government sector that we need to capture to form the basis of things going forward,” he said.