Holdfast Bay Mayor fears Glenelg at risk of becoming anti-social ‘dumping ground’

The Holdfast Bay Mayor says she only lasted four stops on the tram from Glenelg before safety fears became too much to bear.

The Mayor of Holdfast Bay says one of Adelaide’s drawcard suburbs has been crying out for police reinforcements for years amid fears it could become a dumping ground for anti-social troublemakers.

Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson has called for the State Government to assess passenger safety on the Glenelg tram, saying she had to quickly disembark during a recent trip over fears for her safety.

Ms Wilson said she boarded the tram, after receiving numerous complaints from residents, but had to leave after only four stops because she was concerned for her safety.

“After receiving numerous complaints from residents, I boarded a tram at Moseley Square in Glenelg at 9.10am on a weekday – but disembarked after only four stops, due to concerns for my safety,” she said.

“The lack of dedicated security personnel on board our trams deeply troubles me and creates an environment where passengers are exposed to potential dangers.

“There should be security personnel on the trams at all times, not just on weekends and at night.”

The mayor has demanded more policing and security on the tram. Picture: Ben Clark

Ms Wilson said “inaction, a lack of security on public transport and reduced police presence” may result in Glenelg “becoming a dumping ground for people whose anti-social behaviour is impacting residents and visitors alike”.

The Mayor said the council is also calling for a permanent increase in police presence at Glenelg.

“We’ve lodged two petitions to Parliament in the past few years, but the increase in police was actioned only for the summer months,” she said.

“This increases is needed year-round.”

“Politicians see the anti-social behaviour from Parliament House and wing into action, but because the problem is ‘unseen’ by them in Glenelg, nothing is done.”

This comes as police confirmed on Wednesday that a new police crackdown on rising city crime and anti-social behaviour is being enforced in one of the city’s most troubled areas.

Holdfast Bay mayor Amanda Wilson. Picture: Roy Vandervegt

Operation Paragon resources will be “significantly boosted” to include district police, and Licensing Enforcement, State Operations Support branches, Road Policing Section, Mounted Operations Unit, and the heavily armed Security Response Section.

Police will also use CCTV cameras to “identify issues and … identify people post offending” as evidence.

Ms Williams said the “presence of additional police officers around the North Terrace precinct is a high priority”.

“We understand the fear of crime in the city and having additional police officers in the area will provide reassurance to the community,” she said.