A RECENT survey of more than 400 Ellenbrook residents has shown that most believe crime in the suburb is increasing.
The survey was commissioned by Labor candidate for Swan Hills Jessica Shaw, who said local MLA Frank Alban’s recent claims that crime was decreasing were in stark contrast to the survey results.
Fifty-six percent of residents believed local crime had increased over the past two years, whereas only 4 per cent of those surveyed believed crime in the area had dropped.
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READ NOWAccording to Ms Shaw, statistics from WA Police show that from 2014 to November 2016, local crime increased by 16 per cent.
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A concerning trend was the 32 per cent rise in assaults, with 242 reported in 2014 compared to 321 assaults reported in 2016.
“I know from talking to residents, most people think crime is getting worse, not better,” Ms Shaw said.
“Such a huge rise in reported assaults over the past few years is really concerning.”
Ms Shaw said Labor had a strong plan to tackle crime in Ellenbrook.
“(Opposition leader) Mark McGowan has announced if Labor was elected, Ellenbrook police station would be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” she said.
“We need a stronger police presence in our suburbs to make our communities safer.
“If elected, we will immediately act to ensure the Ellenbrook police station is open whenever the community needs it.”