Commuters say they feel fearful to walk along North Tce as anti-social behaviour continues to rise

Commuters are calling for increased police presence along North Tce and King William St as they say they continue to feel threatened by violent and anti-social behaviour.

Unsafe, empty and lacking police presence.

That’s how commuters and workers near Adelaide’s troubled North Terrace have described the area that has been plagued with alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour.

Riccardo Puccio, 43, works at Fishbank Restaurant on King William St. He said he had often seen anti-social behaviour in the area and worried for the safety of others.

“It’s not safe around here,” he said.

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Mr Puccio said he had observed drunk and homeless people who frightened and intimidated commuters and said an increased police presence “would be a solution” to combat the issues and ensure locals and tourists felt safe when exploring the city.

“(It’s) not good for a CBD,” he said.

Lorenzo, 14, and father Riccardo Puccio are calling for increased police in the area. Picture: The Advertiser/ Morgan Sette

The 43-year-old father said he would not let his 14-year-old son, Lorenzo, wander the area which he described as “let go”.

Lorenzo said, although he doesn’t explore the city at night, sometimes he and his friends were approached by intimidating people during the day.

“The feeling (of the area) sometimes is a bit sketchy,” he said. “At night there could be more police.”

Politicians and staff members working late at Parliament House have been warned of the dangers in the area and have been told to leave in pairs due to recent violent incidents on North Tce.

Police and agency officials have also been warned that frightened tourists and city visitors have sought help from bar and restaurant staff to walk back to their hotels.

Management of major CBD hotels have relayed concerns about guests being left scared on “dangerous” city streets – especially at night – while some tourists are outlining their fears on social media.

Feri Ghareebdost said she feels nervous in the area. Picture: The Advertiser/ Morgan Sette

Cindy Tolja, from Glenelg, said she believes North Tce, near Parliament House, would benefit from more police monitoring in the area.

“Increased police presence would be important,” she said. “(If something happens) there’s no where to turn, you’re on your own.”

Ms Tolja said she also believes more lighting in the area would help make commuters feel safer.

Feri Ghareebdost, 24, catches the train regularly from Adelaide Railway Station and said she felt nervous because area felt “kind of empty”.

“There’s always a lot of homeless people,” she said.

A commuter, who asked to remain anonymous, said she has felt hesitant walking to the tram after visiting the Cabaret Festival.

Staff at Parliament House have been told to remain vigilant when leaving at night. Picture: The Advertiser/ Morgan Sette

“I wouldn’t walk to my car alone,” she said. “(There) should be more police in the area.”

A police spokesperson said Operation Paragon had a focus on “reducing crime within the CBD and its parklands” by monitoring specific problem areas.

“When South Australia Police identify an area where anti-social behaviour is occurring, patrols will be directed to that area when not on taskings to provide a high visibility and ensure the communities safety,” they said.

“SA Police view the safety of the South Australian community as being our paramount concern.”