Gulfview Heights residents growing desperate as street becomes hotspot for trouble

One of the northern suburbs’ most expensive streets has become a hotspot for graffiti, hoon driving and the use of “nangs”.

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One of the northern suburbs’ most exclusive streets has become a hotspot for graffiti, hoon driving and the use of “nangs”.

The view from Breakwater Ct in Gulfview Heights has earned it some of the highest house prices in the Salisbury Council area.

But it is also what residents suspect is attracting young people to converge on the court and engage in anti-social behaviour.

Street resident Laura Stanley said up to 10 cars a night will park in front of vacant blocks at the end of the court.

“It is a beautiful view and secluded and not many people come down here so I guess they know they can get away with a lot without being seen,” Mrs Stanley, 27, said.

“I think the kids all just know about it now, so it’s become a popular spot.”

Mrs Stanley said she worries about the safety of people and parked cars in her street.

“They sit down there and then drag race down our street and have almost hit people leaving our house.”

Residents claim the youths sit in front of three empty blocks at the end of the court, each listed for sale at around $400,000, and drink alcohol, graffiti and do “nangs”.

The nitrous oxide in cream chargers, or “nangs”, can be used as a recreational drug but has also been linked to health dangers. Picture: Toby Zerna

The small canisters of nitrous oxide are designed to be used in whipped cream dispensers but are becoming increasingly popular as a recreational drug.

The gas — commonly used by dentists and known as laughing gas — gives users a short-lived high when inhaled either from the canister itself or from a balloon.

A Drug and Alcohol Service SA spokesperson said anyone that is misusing a product should be aware of the short term and long term health and safety risks.

Inhaling nitrous oxide can cause a range of harm including a drop in blood pressure, reduced oxygen intake, fainting and heart attack.

Harm from long term use can include brain and nerve damage, reproductive health problems and psychological dependence they said.

Breakwater Ct is littered with dozens of empty canisters as well as balloons and food and drink packaging — all of which residents say has been left behind by the youths.

Breakwater Ct resident Laura Stanley with just some of the litter left in the court. Picture: AAP/Sam Wundke

“It just looks awful and it’s probably a deterrence to people that come and look at purchasing these vacant blocks,” Mrs Stanley said.

“It doesn’t look like you’d want to live here.”

Wright MP Blair Boyer said he understands youth have been converging on the court for a number of months.

“It’s confronting to see the number of empty nitrous oxide canisters, or ‘nangs’, that litter the cul-de-sac in Breakwater Ct,” Mr Boyer said.

“Coupled with the recent burnout skid marks, it paints a disturbing picture of the anti-social behaviour occurring in our streets.”

Residents said they regularly report the issue to police and Salisbury Council.

A council source confirmed the council has cleaned up some canisters from the reserve at the end of the court and continues to monitor the issue.

A police spokesperson encouraged residents to report suspicious behaviour to police immediately.

“Police are aware of incidents involving youths in Breakwater Ct and patrols will be paying attention to the area,” the spokesperson said.

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