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City of Swan to stop security patrols in Ellenbrook and The Vines, won’t start service in Aveley

Lisa ThomasThe Advocate

SECURITY patrols in Ellenbrook and The Vines will stop as of June 30 after City of Swan councillors unanimously voted to cease the service at Wednesday night’s council meeting.

Councillors also voted to not implement a community security patrol in Aveley.

The decision follows a survey sent out to ratepayers in Ellenbrook, Aveley and The Vines asking them to provide feedback on the patrols, which showed a decline in support.

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The decision will mean the service will stop for one year as part of a trial and the service fee will be removed from rates during this period.

Pearce MHR Christian Porter said he had concerns that the service would no longer be running.

“Residents have a right to feel safe and secure in their community. What concerns me is that many residents in Ellenbrook, Aveley and The Vines are telling me they are still experiencing unacceptable levels of criminal and anti-social behaviour,” he said.

“Whether that’s hooning down The Parkway or vandalism to small businesses along Main Street, the WA Labor Government’s promise of a 24-hour police station has done little to make people feel safer in their homes.

“I am supportive of any initiative that deters offending and anti-social behaviour, like the installation of CCTV cameras in Ellenbrook under the Federal Government’s Safer Streets Program, however the decision to discontinue the 24-hour community patrols is ultimately for the City of Swan.”

Swan Hills MLA Jessica Shaw said the service acted as a deterrent.

“Obviously, a highly visible security patrol service in Ellenbrook has a deterrent effect and helps to make people feel safer,” she said

“People also told me during the election that they wanted a 24/7 police station.

“We have delivered that and also put more cops on Ellenbrook’s streets, but it’s important that the whole community pulls together to address crime in our local area.”

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