Increased powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in the West End
Behaviour getting better on Hindley St as police given further powers to deal with any problems over the next year.
City
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The number of fines issued for anti-social behaviour in Adelaide’s west end has dropped by more than 15 per cent in a year, new data has found.
SA Police imposed 165 fines between November 2017, when a behaviour crackdown was introduced, and October 2018.
A year later, in the period between November 2018 and October 2019, the total was 139 – a 15 per cent drop.
The finding comes as the State Government declared the city’s west end a public precinct for a further 12 months, giving police stronger powers to deal with anti-social behaviour.
The precinct zone, bordered by North Tce, West Tce, Currie St and King William St, operates on Friday and Saturday nights and into Sunday morning, between 6pm and 6am.
Eastern District officer in charge Supintendent Craig Wall said public safety was a priority in the area, and allowed police to deal with problems before they escalated.
“Police have noticed a decline in offences within the Declared Public Precinct, and continue to use multiple tactics including visible police presence, mounted patrols and legislation to reduce crime within the area,” Supt Wall said.
When the regulation is enforced, police can conduct metal detector searches, ban a person from the precinct, direct a troublemaker to leave and remove minors from the area if they are at risk.
Over the past 12 months, SA Police have removed 45 minors in the area, barred a further 51 and ordered almost 2200 to leave.
Supt Wall said there had been a reduction in weapons in the zone and in minors found in the area since the precinct rule had been kin operation.
The Advertiser reported in August that Hindley St was cleaning up its act, with new businesses choosing to invest in the area and reshape the strip’s reputation.
Adelaide City Council is pressing ahead with more than $270,000 worth of improvements in a bid to the district more attractive and welcoming.
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Adelaide West End Association chairman Andrew Wallace welcomed the 12-month precinct extension
“People are still going out at night and (the rules are) not turning people away,” he said.
“Young people just have to take a little more care, plan better and make sure friends look after friends.”
Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said Adelaide was renowned as a city promising an enjoyable night out.
“Continuing these provisions will help SA Police ensure it will also be a safe night out,” Ms Chapman said.
