Desperate traders to get more security and staff to fight back unless more cops at Burleigh Heads

Desperate Burleigh traders and residents panicking about a youth crime wave are threatening to “take matters into our own hands” unless they see some support. See what they are calling for

Desperate Burleigh traders and residents panicking about a youth crime wave are threatening to “take matters into our own hands” unless they get more back-up by police.

A community source fears for the safety of frontline retail staff if vigilante action occurs.

“They are feeling as though they have to be the substitutes for police. This could put security and frontline staff in significant peril,” the source said.

An open letter from a community leader, asking not to be named for fear of retribution by gangs, was sent to Burleigh LNP candidate Hermann Vorster outlining the crime fight backlash.

“The community is fed up, having endured enough violence and lawlessness. It’s time to make a stand,” the community leader wrote.

“Beneath this facade of tranquillity lies a growing concern that has gripped the community — drug and drunk-fuelled aggressive homelessness. Plus youth crime.”

It comes amid Bulletin revelations in its ‘Battle for Burleigh’ series reporting James St retailers being plagued for two years by threats and abuse from groups of mentally unstable and drug-addicted people frequenting the formerly idyllic hub.

A man smashing a helmet against the front of the Cellarbrations bottle shop on West St in Burleigh.

Homeless people who were drugged up and aggressive were starting fights outside shops, drinking and abusing customers, sparking some operators to close early as staff returning to cars are followed, threatened and attacked.

“The situation is dire and the community is demanding action. They want to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods, parks and beaches,” the community leader wrote.

“The call for more police patrols is now a cry for help, with residents insisting on a zero-tolerance policy towards crime and violence.”

The letter said some traders were being targeted two or three times a day by balaclava-wearing youths carrying weapons. They want the teenagers arrested and jailed.

“Just days ago I personally encountered a group of five young individuals, again wearing balaclavas, throwing objects at passing cars and running off - if one of those objects were to strike an elderly person, it could be fatal,” the community source wrote.

“Burleigh is at a crossroads. Either the authorities need to take decisive action to restore peace and safety, or the community will be forced to take matters into their own hands.

“The time for fluffy words and half hearted measures is over. It’s time to make a stand, to protect the community and reclaim the streets of Burleigh for law abiding citizens.”

Hermann Vorster, the LNP candidate for Burleigh in the 2024 State poll, is backing residents in their fight against crime.

Mr Vorster said he was given the “open letter” after launching a Stop Burleigh Crime petition.

His campaign was sparked by talks with traders along with reports in The Bulletin’s Thin Blue Lines series revealing six positions were secretly cut from Palm Beach police station.

“The situation has reached crisis point with desperate locals crying out for more support for our overworked and exhausted police,” Mr Vorster said.

He has doorknocked businesses. Frustration with the government had given way to “desperation and panic” among traders.

“Some workers are now worried about their personal safety on evening shifts after repeated hold-ups and run-ins with balaclava-clad offenders,” he said.

“One business owner told me they had to lock women in their changerooms to keep them safe after troublemakers chased them down James Street.

“The government isn’t listening to victims and is failing to properly plan for the emerging night-time economy in Burleigh.”

People gathered at the entrance to James Street in Burleigh Heads.

Dr Terry Goldsworthy, an ex-detective now at Bond University, earlier this month called for a police beat at Burleigh to combat crime as it evolves into a night-time entertainment precinct.

The Bulletin had obtained the confidential QPS’ Working for Queensland Survey from October last year which exposed plunging morale within the rank and file and high rates of staff burnout.

It also shows Southern and Central Gold Coast beat police suffering higher rates of burnout and stress compared to colleagues in party and tourism hubs Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

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