‘Prevalence of anti-social behaviour’ around Parliament House prompts security boost

Extra police and security have been posted at Parliament House and staff have been warned to leave in groups after dark as “anti-social” behaviour increases in the CBD.

MPs and staff working late at Parliament House have been told to leave in pairs and to avoid long waits for buses amid violent incidents – including assaults – on North Terrace.

In an email sent on Thursday – a copy of which was provided to The Advertiser – staff were told to remain vigilant.

“Several fortunately minor incidents involving staff have occurred and these details have been passed on to a dedicated SAPOL operation monitoring behaviour in these areas,” it said.

“On sitting nights after dark, staff should take particular care when exiting the building. Where possible, walk out with a colleague to your destination and, if catching a bus in these areas, check the arrival time to avoid waiting at the bus stop for a lengthy period of time.”

The warning follows revelations earlier this year that crime had surged in the CBD and North Adelaide, with criminals leaving victims injured in 352 reported incidents in 2022 – a 12-year high across the precincts.

Police Minister Joe Szakacs said that recent crime statistics showed a decrease in offences against people and property.

The email was sent by deputy Legislative Council clerk Guy Dickson and House of Assembly serjeant-at-arms Lauren Williams, who said they were “aware of the current prevalence of anti-social behaviour on King William Street and North Terrace surrounding Parliament House”.

In response, they said, Parliament House police security officers would conduct extra patrols, and the security officers monitoring CCTV would be “particularly mindful of these areas”.

The email also reminded staff arriving at Parliament House to ensure they did not permit “tailgaters” to enter the building behind them.

Security has been beefed up around Parliament House. Picture: Matt Loxton

Virginia Iommazzo, who works in the area, said she noticed “anti-social behaviour” happening every day.

“Yesterday, we saw a fight happening and they were out on the road. There were punch-ups and screaming,” she said.

“They just need to arrest these people.”

Ms Iommazzo said the larger fights happened weekly and usually frightened customers.

She had noticed an increase in violent behaviour in the past few months.

“I think the customers get more scared than us,” Ms Iommazzo said.

“That’s because we see it every day we’re used to it.”

Nitin Jakhwal, the director of Bean Bar, said his staff at the store on North Tce had noticed an increase in anti-social behaviour in the last year or so.

“Every morning, there are people drinking and bottles being smashed,” he said.

“Sometimes on Monday morning, it’s like a war zone out there. It is pretty bad.”

Mr Jakhwal said the last time his staff called police, at 9.45am, no officers turned up until 4pm.

“It’s getting harder and harder to trade,” he said.

Mr Jakhwal said the violent incidents had deterred tourists from the popular area.

“They don’t want to hang around these areas where they don’t feel safe,” he said.

Ben O’Connell, owner of O’Connell’s Bookshop in nearby Station Arcade, said the area had a lot to offer.

“There is a great sense of community pride. It is a cultural strip,” he said.

Ben O’Connell with his dog, Oscar. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Mr O’Connell said it was important that anti-social behaviour did not deter people from visiting – but the problem was complex.

“Some of the people do have mental health issues,” he said.

Mr O’Connell said police were in the area regularly, but suggested an increased presence could help.

Stuart Fidge, who catches the bus from King William St, said he noticed anti-social behaviour and “sometimes” drunk people.

“I feel more annoyed than anything,” he said.

Mr Fidge said he didn’t believe arresting people would help and that the solution was deeper than that.

Commuter Stuart Fidge. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Emma Gallagher, who also catches the bus on King William St, said a police presence would be an improvement.

“It certainly wouldn’t hurt,” she said. “In winter time, it gets quite dark.”

Ms Gallagher said she had noticed that the area near Parliament House is a “congregation hangout” area.

A SA Police spokesman said resources have been dedicated to the issue.

“Operation Paragon is part of existing Eastern District resources focused on addressing alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in the Adelaide CBD through a multi-agency approach to facilitate access to support services that address the health and welfare needs of vulnerable individuals in the community,” he said.

“The operation implements a dedicated uniformed team to provide a visible, accessible presence responsive to the local community and focused on reducing crime within the CBD and its parklands.”

Opposition police spokesman Sam Telfer said it was alarming that crime continued to worsen in the CBD.

“We know there are CBD traders who are fed up with this situation, and it’s getting so bad that some are considering ending their businesses because anti-social behaviour is out of control,” he said.

“What we need is extra police resources on the ground day in, day out, to tackle this problem, stamp it out and protect the community.

“That’s why we’re calling on (Premier) Peter Malinauskas to guarantee the state budget will have additional incentives to retain police officers and lure much-needed recruits to South Australia.”

Mr Telfer said SA Police was in “resourcing turmoil”, with a 185-officer shortage.

But Mr Szakacs said the Liberal Party was “misleading the people of SA about the work of our police”.

“Recent crime statistics actually show a reduction of offences against the person and property – 2023 offending is lower than this time in 2022, and lower than pre-pandemic 2020,” he said.

“SAPOL and other government agencies continue to work with the community on addressing the root causes of anti-social behaviour, which does exist in parts of our community.

“This includes visible policing operations and the provision of social support services.”

Mr Szakacs said the Labor government was “genuinely committed to growing our frontline police numbers”, and recruitment measures had led to a surge in applications to join SAPOL, which have totalled more than 2000 in the past year.