Police patrol with dogs
THE Queensland Police Service has confirmed it conducts patrols, including with police dogs, in the Aitkenvale area around the Stockland shopping centre.
There have been reports of bag snatch thefts and young people roaming the area at night.
The State Government-led Townsville Stronger Communities Action Group, established to get “young people back on track”, has confirmed it recently facilitated a forum with stakeholders, at the request of shopping centre owners Stockland, to look at ways to reduce anti-social behaviour within the Aitkenvale business precinct.
Discussions focused on causal factors and what different organisations could do to help address the issues.
A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said they conducted regular patrols throughout the area.
“Local police are aware of reports of anti-social behaviour occurring in the Aitkenvale area,” the spokeswoman said.
“The Queensland Police Service take these matters seriously and conduct regular patrols throughout the area, as well as proactive engagement with the community through crime prevention and awareness initiatives.
“It is important that any anti-social behaviour in this area is reported to police in a timely manner via Policelink on 131 444 or to triple-0 (000) in the case of emergencies.”
factors and what different organisations could do to help address the issues,” Insp Lyons said.
“Stockland is currently leading further discussions on this matter with stakeholders. Any decisions about the future use of Stockland property would be a matter for them.”
Townsville councillor Maurie Soars said there were issues with itinerants drinking alcohol in Aitkenvale Park and youths gathering around the shopping centre.
He understood a bag snatch theft had occurred near the shopping centre about two weeks ago.
Cr Soars said he wanted to work with police, community and dependency groups to provide alternatives for itinerants in Aitkenvale Park.
He understood businesses and community groups were looking at the Stockland issues.
“I understand they are trying to
get something happening,” Cr Soars said.
Resident Donna Larsen, who led successful protests against siting a State Government Youth Foyer accommodation centre in Elizabeth St, said residents wanted to hear more from Stockland about its plans.
One business operator, who has complained about people defecating and abusing customers outside their premises, said highlighting the problem would make it worse for businesses already struggling to recover from the floods and low consumer confidence.
But another business operator said something needed to be done and people feared getting mugged.
“You take your life in your hands when you go around that (former Westpac) building at night,” the businessman, who asked not to be named, said.