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LNP candidate Scott Piper promises police beat at Deeragun shopping centre

A police beat and extra cops could be on the cards for a Deeragun shopping centre plagued by crime after an LNP candidate committed to the promise if elected next month.

A police beat could be on the cards for a Deeragun shopping centre plagued by crime after an LNP candidate committed to endorsing the hub if elected next month.

Hinchinbrook candidate Scott Piper said the Woodlands Shopping Centre customers deserved a dedicated police beat, which would take up a rent-free space next to Woolworths.

Mr Piper said he had spoken to residents and businesses who said crime happened at the centre every day, and elderly people were the most common victims.

The building where a proposed police beat will be stationed if the LNP are elected next month.
The building where a proposed police beat will be stationed if the LNP are elected next month.

“Locals need to be able to take their morning walks and not be held at knifepoint, they need to be able to walk out of the supermarket and not have their trolley ransacked and then watch these juveniles sit in the local skate park gloat,” he said.

“We are hearing stories that they are jumping people and taking their food down to the skate park.”

The proposed police beat is just five minutes away from the Deeragun Police Station and would be the only regional Townsville beat outside of the major centres.

Despite this, Mr Piper said nearby police were often too busy responding to other jobs when an incident happened at the centre.

Scott Piper and Glenn Doyle speak at the site of a proposed police beat.
Scott Piper and Glenn Doyle speak at the site of a proposed police beat.

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The beat would be manned by two officers who had a dedicated police vehicle.

The owners of the complex, Sentinel Property Group, welcomed the proposal saying it would be highly valued by their customers.

Deeragun resident, Anna Hakanson said it was a great idea that would make her family feel safer.

Mundingburra candidate Glenn Doyle also announced two more police for Stockland Police Beat if he was elected.

The promises come just weeks out from the state election.

Originally published as LNP candidate Scott Piper promises police beat at Deeragun shopping centre

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/townsville/lnp-candidate-scott-piper-promises-police-beat-at-deeragun-shopping-centre/news-story/198e3aa0b93f00acb9fbcf12d1c1d966