‘Like being ripped’: Cairns pensioner calls for increased security at aged housing complex

A Cairns pensioner living in a public housing complex is pleading for increased security after a recent spate of crimes including a stabbing.

A PENSIONER at a Parramatta Park complex is calling on the Department of Housing to boost security after enduring five incidents in recent years.

Douglas Dannatt, 65, has lived at the Grove St Pensioner Cottages for several years and he said the situation was worsening.

Mr Douglas had his electric bicycle stolen on January 8 – and it’s the second electric bike he’s had stolen.

He has a bloodstained mattress in a common area close to his unit and said it was as a result of a recent stabbing incident.

Parramatta Park Pensioner Douglas Ray Dannatt feels like a prisoner in his own apartment at night. Picture: Brendan Radke

Police reported on December 14 that a 29-year-old Gordonvale man was charged for wounding following an altercation at Grove St.

A man was charged with one count of wounding and possessing dangerous drugs.

Police alleged the man had been at unit around 5.40pm with several others, and an argument with a woman started.

It was alleged a physical altercation broke out, with the man allegedly stabbing the woman several times with a pair of scissors before leaving.

Mr Dannatt reached out to the Cairns Post in 2019 saying residents were fed-up with trespassers and intruders – and it seems that it three years, little has changed.

“I believe there are 95 people here and visitors are not allowed after 10pm,” Mr Dannatt said.

“The Department of Housing did get some security company, supposed to come here, but I have seen them once in the last year.

“My ebike cost $1100, it was my transport, and I won’t be able to afford another one until May.

Parramatta Park Pensioner Douglas Ray Dannatt wants the Department of Housing to take measures to prevent crime at Kingsford Lodge, which he says is caused entirely by people trespassing at the Grove St address. Picture: Brendan Radke

“There’s younger people coming through here, I see them all the time.

“They’ve got to do something to protect the people – I see residents outside during the day, but as

soon as the sun goes down we are effectively prisoners in our own homes, in solitary confinement.

“People lock their security doors and will not let anybody in – but they put a slash in the mesh and flick the lock up.”

He said when his first bike was stolen, the alleged offender took his credit card and used it.

Mr Dannatt said he had been robbed while asleep, losing his phone and wallet.

He said he had always reported incidents to police and kept report numbers.

“There’s a psychological aspect to it, it’s got to traumatise, it’s almost like you’re being ripped – and they are getting away with it, what’s going wrong?”

In 2019, the thieves were caught on camera after the pictures they took on Mr Dannatt’s stolen mobile phone were sent directly back to him.

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He said police initially told him it would be almost impossible to catch the culprits, but that was before he logged on to check his email.

Dozens of pictures landed in his inbox.

The Department of Housing refused to comment on security arrangements and reports of intruders at the complex.

“The department takes seriously its responsibility to provide safe homes for tenants, including providing security to all external windows and doors, except in specific cases related to fire safety,” a spokesman said.

“The department has zero tolerance for behaviour by the tenant and/or household members and visitors, that is intentional, malicious or the behaviour is dangerous or illegal.”

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said it could not comment on specific residential addresses for privacy reasons.

“Police are committed to maintaining community safety in the Parramatta Park area and would encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious or anti-social behaviour to report the matter on 131 444 or call triple-0 in an emergency,” he said.

Originally published as ‘Like being ripped’: Cairns pensioner calls for increased security at aged housing complex