TALK of sex acts in the Whitfords Nodes carpark and men’s toilet block has stirred community concern.
Hillarys MLA Rob Johnson said worried parents had approached him with reports they had seen indecent behaviour in the area as well as at Whitfords Beach and Pinnaroo Point. Given the popularity of the area for families, parents complained children could be exposed to inappropriate behaviour.
“Residents have reported the same cars being parked daily at the carparks of these beaches, with indecent acts being brazenly committed in vehicles and inside the male toilet blocks in full view of the unsuspecting public,” Mr Johnson said.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWMORE: Please explain … Pauline Hanson to make Paddo appearance
MORE: Ridgewood massage therapist charged with indecent assault
MORE: Shore Thing Brewing gets green light on Parkin Street
Mr Johnson said it had been a problem in years past until police began regular patrols of the area.
“It seems these offenders have now returned to our local beaches,” he said.
Hillarys Senior Sergeant Peter Feast said there had not been an increase in reports of such behaviour. He would not comment further on Mr Johnson’s comments.
He said police had a summer action plan for the beach and carparks where they conducted regular patrols for anti-social behaviour and drug use.
“All we do is target anti-social behaviour in the Hillarys area along the beachfront… like we do for any summer plan,” he said. “Drug use is an issue after hours down there.”
Sen-Sgt Feast mentioned hooning was another issue of concern in the area, having seen a number of tyre marks throughout parking areas.
“We request the public to report any anti-social behaviour or drug use to police,” he said.
Liberal candidate for Hillarys Peter Katsambanis said hooning was the main issue voters had raised with him during his campaign.
“Only a re-elected Liberal government will invest in 24 additional covert hoon cameras,” he said.
“Together with our tough new laws that allow police to seize hoon vehicles on a first offence, this will help stop this dangerous practice and keep our local streets safe.”
Mr Johnson, a former Police Minister, considered the need for more police a major factor in his stance on crime.
“I’m hearing all too often that people who have been subject to burglaries, thefts and assaults are waiting far too long for police assistance,” he said.