Locals petition for permanent Police hub at Pimpama-Ormeau to combat crime in the area

WITH crime in the northern Gold Coast on the rise, locals are petitioning to get a permanent police hub in the area as populations continue to skyrocket and crime becomes “out of control”.

A RISE in crime and exponential population growth has prompted locals in the Ormeau Pimpama region to call for a permanent police hub in the area to keep locals safe.

An online petition, which has already garnered close to 1000 signatures, was started by local Stewart Brooker who said “enough was enough” and the area desperately needed its own station due to large wait times for police to action calls in the area.

POLICE FIND $1.9 MILLION IN ILLICIT DRUGS ACROSS THE GOLD COAST

An increase in crime in the northern Gold Coast area has prompted locals to petition for a permanent police hub.

“It is about time something was done about this issue,” he said.

“Our officers are over worked and stressed, the area is one of the fastest growing in the country.

“Why are the politicians waiting until crime gets out of control instead of being proactive and planning accordingly.”

BLOOD LEFT ON FLOOR, WALLS AFTER VIOLENT COAST HOME INVASION

Recent data shows the Pimpama-Ormeau area is the fastest growing region in Australia with an explosion in the population from 22,500 people in 2013 to 38,400 people in 2018 and it continues to rise.

A previous petition was successful in increasing the officers at Coomera from 58 to 70 with Mr Brooker hoping this latest petition would also prove successful.

“I have experienced the issue first hand as when jogging 18 months ago at around 2pm in Upper Coomera there was a drunk out of control on the road abusing people and threatening to kill people,” he said.

Officers are already “over worked and stressed” as they struggle to cope with the large area, growing population and an increase in crime.

“This was in front of a school. It took 40 minutes for the police to arrive.

“In that time myself and security and a few people from the local houses had to try and keep the guy busy by trying to talk to him and keep him off the road.

“At times having to stop traffic both ways.

MAN STABBED IN VIOLENT ROBBERY AT HIS SOUTHPORT HOME

“I have also spoken to many other people who have the same story with response times to critical situations being up to two hours at times.”

And Mr Brooker is not alone.

A Facebook post with petition details was flooded with similar stories of long waiting times for police to turn up to calls.

A larger police presence would increase safety in the area suggests the petition.

The petition has grabbed the attention of MP Michael Crandon who held Crando and a Cop event yesterday at Four Beans in Cup at Ormeau to discuss crime busting initiatives with Senior Constable Michael Coleman and Senior Constable Luke Everding.

To sign the petition, visit www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/petition-details?id=3127.