THERE were occasional fiery scenes last nightwhen about 100 Brentwood and Bateman residents attended a Crime and Safety Forum at Blue Gum Community Centre.
The forum was organised by Bateman MLA Dean Nalder after his office received a number of complaints about anti-social behaviour from residents in public housing.
Palmyra Police office in charge Senior Sergeant Gavin Radice spoke about crime statistics and efforts to tackle crime in Brentwood and Bateman.
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READ NOWA number of residents asked questions about the process of reporting crime or suspicious behaviour and what success the police had experienced in solving issues of anti-social behaviour from residents in public housing.
‘Too much’ public housing in Brentwood
Two representatives from the Department of Communities spoke about how they were bound by the Residential Tenancies Act, which meant they need to prove the resident had breached the act and then be taken to court.
Residents spoke about how they had made many complaints but not seen resolutions.
A number of vivid stories were told about public housing residents screaming on streets, bullying young people and threatening other residents.
The night finished with two representatives from the City of Melville Neighbourhood Watch group speaking about the role residents could play in reducing crime by observing what was happening on their street.
Mr Nalder said it was evident concerned residents were wanting particular incidences of anti-social behaviour in Brentwood and neighbouring suburbs dealt with along with clarification on the process for how it was done.
“All residents deserve to feel safe and secure in their own homes, and I look forward to working with the neighbourhood and authorities to ensure this happens,” he said.
Department of Communities Metropolitan Communities service delivery assistant director Jackie Tang previously told the Melville Times that her organisation was working closely with WA Police to reduce the impact of disruptive behaviour on the Brentwood community.
“Residents should report disruptive behaviour to the Department’s dedicated Disruptive Behaviour Reporting Line on 1300 597 076,” she said.
“All reports are treated confidentially and are thoroughly investigated.”
Have you been a victim of crime recently with a story or warning to share? Get in touch with the reporter Aaron.Corlett@communitynews.com.au.