Snr Sgt Craig Wanstall (Scarborough Police). Photo: Martin Kennealey. d491224
Camera IconSnr Sgt Craig Wanstall (Scarborough Police). Photo: Martin Kennealey. d491224 Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Police: Scarborough Beach ‘safe’ despite incidents

Laura PondStirling Times

SCARBOROUGH Police’s officer-in-charge wants people to know the beachfront is safe despite recent publicised incidents.

Senior Sergeant Craig Wanstall said there had been an increase of just 14 offences across Scarborough since the redeveloped foreshore opened last March.

There were 940 offences recorded in the suburb from July 1 to February 22, up from 926 in the same time the previous year.

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Police to patrol Scarborough beach this weekend

Since December, police have issued five arrests, nine summonses, 14 charges, 10 liquor infringements, nine disorderly conduct infringements and 45 move-on notices at Scarborough Beach.

“We’re conscious there’s some antisocial behaviour and street drinking but we don’t think those numbers are extraordinary,” Snr Sgt Wanstall said.

“It’s safe to go down there. I am relatively happy with the conduct and behaviour on the beachfront.”

Police have been patrolling the beachfront on weekends and Snr Sgt Wanstall said this would continue.

“I have put additional patrols onto the beachfront every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night,” he said.

“We also have the liquor enforcement unit working in there.”

There were two violent incidents in the area in early February; police are continuing to investigate after a man was stabbed and had his wallet stolen, and major crash investigators have taken over the case relating to a man found with serious injuries in the Indian Ocean Hotel carpark.

Scarborough and Doubleview residents recently held a community meeting with police, WA Housing Authority and City of Stirling over concerns about crime in the suburbs.

Snr Sgt Wanstall said the meeting was positive and police would be working with residents.

“We’ll support anyone who wants to protect their community,” he said.

“We do find communities that work with police are generally safer.”