Could body cameras help combat abuse

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It’s been happening for years with no signs of improvement, said one Woolworths staff member who did not want to be quoted in relation to the well known problems in the nearby carpark and laneway.

He is frustrated not more is being done to combat the problem but understands it is a complex issue.

Public drunkenness, shoppers being harassed for money and needles discarded in the public toilets are regular occurrences.

Business owners like Nikki Williams have “had a gutful” of the drug problem in town. She recently shared some shocking images of discarded needles and other drug paraphernalia in public toilets.

Coffs Harbour business operator Nikki Williams shared these disturbing photos of discarded needles in a public toilet in the CBD.

She has challenged candidates in the upcoming Council elections in September to make the issue a priority.

Hope for the Homeless founder and Mayoral candidate Dean Evers shared his thoughts on the problem recently saying how easy it is to get drugs in town.

Many readers say they avoid the area altogether and report being harassed as they enter and leave Woolworths.

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A Woolworths spokesperson said the company has a zero-tolerance policy for team member abuse in store and that Woolworths provides CCTV footage to local police from time to time when requested to support their investigations.

“The safety of our customers and team members is our priority,” the Woolworths spokesperson said.

“We’ll continue to provide our full support and assistance to the police and local organisations to address this community issue and be part of the solution.”

Park Lane.

The spokesperson said in Woolworths stores across the country there has been a doubling in reports of assaults, prompting a trial of body cameras in several stores including Kempsey.

While some of these problems were related to panic buying at the height of the pandemic, the trials are being rolled out due to ongoing concerns.

Other NSW stores where the cameras are being trialled are Berala and Rosehill.

And in other states:

Victoria: Abbotsford, Millers Junction, St Albans, Sunshine Market Place and Hoppers Crossing

WA: Coolbellup

SA: Rundle Mall

Queensland: Redbank Plains