Booze-related crime a major worry

By Annabel McCully

Bondi Junction residents raised alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour, noise from drunken revellers and underage drinking in parks as their main concerns at a community safety forum held on July 7.

Present at the meeting were residents, Police Minister David Campbell, Eastern Suburbs Local Area Commander Superintendent Michael Fuller, Waverley mayor Ingrid Strewe and Coogee MP Paul Pearce.

Councillor Strewe said the meeting was arranged to get key people around the table to discuss community safety, and as an extra layer of consultation for review of the council’s Community Safety Plan.

‘Council has already achieved results in conjunction with the police, particularly at Bondi Beach. We have worked hard with police over the years to reduce crime and improve safety,’ she said. ‘We couldn’t have done this alone. We had the support of police, residents, businesses and other stakeholders ‘ and it’s working well.
‘It’s very good to have this time with the Minister so we can discuss the issues that relate to our community, particularly Bondi Junction, and what the Government and local police are doing generally.’

At the meeting, Superintendent Michael Fuller said police would take appropriate action on any breaches of liquor laws or antisocial behaviour. Police regularly review complaints on licensed premises and police presence is increased when needed, he said.

A spokesperson for the council said the ‘Safe Summer’ campaign, run every year, had helped reduce alcohol-related antisocial behaviour at the beaches during peak times.