Needles concern

Drug users in bubs’ room

A MOTHER says she was shocked to find two people using the Westfield parents’ room as a drug-injecting room, leaving needles and blood on the floor.

Police are probing the incident, which Westfield confirmed occurred on Tuesday.

The mother, who declined to be named, said a “rough looking” couple aged in their 50s locked themselves in a cubicle in the parents’ change room about lunchtime.

“I went back into breastfeed and that’s when I realised what they were doing,” the mother said.

“They stumbled out leaving drug paraphernalia all over the cubical, clothing items and blood.

“Very scary as I have a very handsy toddler who would pick anything up.”

The mother said she immediately alerted security who called police.

A Westfield spokeswoman confirmed yesterday that centre management and security teams were working closely with authorities to determine the circumstances around the incident.

“The safety of our customers, our retailers and our people is our number one priority and this is an issue we take very seriously,” the spokeswoman said.

“We can confirm the area is now safe for use and has been reopened.”

Geelong Inspector Graham Banks said the incident was not reported to police at the time but officers were now making investigations into the incident.

“It appears at this stage that it may not relate to illicit drugs,” Insp Banks said.

“We are making some inquiries in relation to that now.”

The incident comes as police continue to crack down on anti-social behaviour in the area by ramping up CBD patrols. WHEN it comes to his art, Pete Cromer is no mug.

The Geelong artist, pictured, held a meet and greet in Westfield this week after the release of his popular collection of Maxwell and Williams mugs and coasters featuring his images of native wildlife. The colourful homewares include 12 images in Pete’s unique abstract style, featuring sugar gliders, cockatoos, galahs, kangaroos, kookaburras and more.

“I’m thrilled to be working with such an iconic Australian brand, but what I’m really excited about is having guests over offering them a tea or coffee in one of the mugs featuring my artwork,” he said.