Call to step up patrols
THE victim of a vicious attack at Broadbeach is calling for an extra police beat in one of the precinct’s busiest streets.
Shane Andrews, 65, says he was bashed by a man in Victoria Ave last July, suffering injuries to his head, neck, shoulders and back.
The alleged assault has meant the former surf lifesaver is reluctant to return to the place of the attack, especially at night.
In a separate Broadbeach attack, twins Leigh and Travis White were bashed recently after they left The Star casino and were robbed of $300. Both were taken to hospital. Police are still investigating.
Mr Andrews was working in a real estate agency about 11.30pm on July 14 last year and waiting for a phone call when he heard a noise.
He said a man outside had strewn listings all over the street.
“When I put my hand on his chest he just started swinging at me and I was ducking and weaving,” he said. “He then tackled me.”
Mr Andrews said life had been “hell” for him since he was bashed.
“On the 16th of August, I visited my personal GP suffering from severe depression and (suicidal) thoughts, tearful, with no motivation for anything,” he said.
“I’m too spooked to go back to Broadbeach. I think if there was a police booth there and more cameras (it would help).”
He said he had regularly seen fights at weekends and called for a police beat in Victoria Ave.
Mr Andrews said the beat needed to be open from 9pm to 1am, Thursdays to Sundays.
But police rejected the idea, saying there was a fully functional police station open 24 hours just 200m down the road.
“The Queensland Police Service is committed to keeping the people of the Gold Coast safe and will always ensure a strong police presence in the Broadbeach area,” a spokesman said.
“The Broadbeach CBD, which covers this area, has an extensive CCTV network that has live feeds directly back to the Broadbeach Police Station.
“Broadbeach is also a Safe Night Precinct, which means it has additional funding and legal powers to deal with intoxication, violence and any anti-social behaviour.
“Broadbeach police officers are mobile and proactively perform intelligencedriven and high visibility patrols throughout their division. Police patrols are increased at night and over weekends.”
Mr Andrews said he had painful flashbacks.
A man has been charged.