Community law-and-order petition gains 600 signatures calling for full-time police presence in CBD

An online petition calling for more security to protect retailers in Geraldton has attracted more than 600 signatures in its first week. Launched on Thursday, June 13, the petition calls for a full-time police presence in the Geraldton city centre and major shopping centres to curb theft, antisocial behaviour, and abuse towards retailers and customers. But police say while they are doing their utmost to tackle the issues, a broader community response is needed to address the underlying social and economic causes. The petition also calls for a minimum of two security guards on shift at events, and at larger stores or stores in isolated locations. It also questions if there are enough staff employed at the Department of Justice to carry out youth justice services in the face of rising youth crime. Permanent CBD bans on repeat offenders, and banning school-aged children from entering stores during school hours, is recommended. Petition organiser Aleishia Yarran works at a shopping centre in Geraldton, and said police response times were not good enough and the retail community was screaming out for action. On Wednesday, she said rocks were being thrown at a retailer and it took police hours to respond. Last month, Mrs Yarran said police were contacted to move on a drunken man who later threw a glass bottle at a tattoo artist. She said she received workers’ compensation for an assault in February when she was attacked by a thief. “We just need to feel supported, and something needs to be done. I don’t think we get paid enough for this,” she said. A WA Police spokesperson said Geraldton police had launched several strategies to improve communication between retailers and encourage on-the-go reporting for faster response times. “Geraldton police work closely with local businesses to deter, and respond to, criminal activity and antisocial behaviour in and around shopping precincts,” they said. “A range of tactics are used, including highly visible patrols and plain-clothes patrols. Such patrols are conducted at times known to be when crimes are most likely to be committed, as well as at random times, ensuring the police response remains agile and effective.” The spokesperson said there was a range of factors leading to stealing incidents, including cost-of-living pressures. “While police can act from a law enforcement perspective, some of the root causes are more complex to solve, such as those stealing offences being driven by economic factors, and they require a broader community response,” they said. “WA Police Force provides a range of advice to business owners including videos, factsheets and guides to assist with making their business as safe and secure as possible for owners and their staff, including advice on how to prepare for and respond to shoplifting and aggressive customers, including when considering banning notices. “This advice is available online, and is also provided by local police in person through direct liaison with local business owners.” To view the petition, visit change.org.