The WA Police Union has called for the additional resources to help combat growing crime rates in the region, including assaults, burglaries, vandalism and other property damage.
Union president George Tilbury said burgeoning Ellenbrook was the fastest growing region in the East Metropolitan Police District and there were not enough police to man the Ellenbrook station at all times.
‘A boom in population brings with it an increase in crime and this is why Ellenbrook needs to operate as a 24/7 police station,’ he said.
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READ NOW‘The staff in this station are under considerable pressure and, if ever they require back-up or support, they must wait until officers arrive from Midland or Kiara police stations.
‘We call on WA Police to give Ellenbrook at least another 10 officers, for it to be able to staff the station around the clock.’
The call comes following a recent spate of vandalism leading up to Anzac Day, and ongoing incidents of major assaults and burglaries.
The number of serious assaults rose from 133 in the year ended September 30, 2011, to almost 200 in the full year ended this October 31 ” a jump of 47 per cent.
Sources told The Advocate that about five police officers normally manned the Ellenbrook police station.
WA Police refused to reveal exact staffing numbers, citing operational reasons.
Acting Senior Sergeant Rhonda Jarratt said the Ellenbrook police station had enough staff to police the region during daylight hours.
‘The Ellenbrook police station is open between the hours of 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, which is in line with agency practices,’ she said. ‘Outside this period, the major district centre ” Midland police station ” is open to the public on a 24/7 basis. Further support is provided by other specialist units, if required.’