Perth hostel secures funding for CCTV to deter anti-social behaviour

A PERTH hostel owner hopes new CCTV will deter people from urinating, defecating, taking drugs and having sex in “blindspots” outside the premises.

Jon Lukman, who runs the Kangaroo Inn on Murray Street, said the hostel has been targeted and staff terrorised by anti-social behaviour for years.

He said the problem peaked last year.

The hostel received the $10,000 funding through the City of Perth East End Improvement Grant for the new surveillance equipment.

“Last year was horrendous,” Mr Lukman said.

“The issue has improved somewhat, with faster police response times – I would say we call the police once or twice a month.

“Hopefully the extra surveillance cameras will make people think twice, it also helps the police in their evidence gathering.”

Mr Lukman said hostel windows had been smashed, property stolen and walls graffitied.

He said he was forced to install more gates to keep offenders out of the carpark.

Mr Lukman praised police and council workers.

“We have approached the police and the council about these issues and they have taken them on,” he said.

“I feel sorry for the police because there is only so much that they can do, apart from moving people on.

“The council workers are fantastic, you can call them and they are always happy to assist where they can.”

Chair of Commissioners Eric Lumsden said the East End was attracting significant interest for enhancement through public and private investment.

The East End Improvement Model was adopted by Council last year, and grants complement current and programmed public realm enhancement projects.

The upgrades will be carried out by the end of the month.