Cairns CBD crime wave must be stopped say Lake St shop owners

Retailers fear crime rates on one key CBD street will scare off the visitors needed to help the city turn around following Covid following a very public ordeal.

CAIRNS CBD retailers are polarised on how to ensure residents and tourists feel safe while working, living and shopping in town after nine police officers swooped on a group and arrested a man, 22, outside a pharmacy on Lake St on Thursday.

About 12.30pm, startled passers-by saw a group of handcuffed men seated on the footpath outside Alive Pharmacy on Lake St, while police investigated the incident.

Police officers arrest a man on Lake Street and have charged him with theft from the Alive Pharmacy. Picture: Brendan Radke

Police said a Parramatta Park man, 22, was charged with the theft of a face mask during an incident when a number of men entered the pharmacy.

A police spokesman confirmed the man had been taken into police custody, charged and received bail.

Nine police officers handcuffed four men on Lake Street in the Cairns CBD at around 12.30pm on Thursday.

“He will face court on March 22,” the spokesman said.

“The man, had also allegedly stolen cutlery from a shop in Sheridan St earlier in the day.”

The spokesman said that the incident was one “of around half a dozen” on Lake St that day.

But as the city prepares to welcome back tourists, business owners said the city needs to solve the tsunami of crime right now.

Police officers arrested a man on Lake Street Cairns outside the Alive Pharmacy. Picture: Brendan Radke

Adventure Cairns and Beyond, owner, Erryn Wells, said Lake St is in the grip of a crime wave – and it’s scaring visitors.

“I know of two Lake St shops which have had teens pull a knife out and demand money,” Ms Wells said.

“Someone needs to do something, the tourists are scared, there were some in my shop today and shocked when the men were outside the chemist with the police.

“Cairns cannot afford to lose the tourists.”

Ms Wells said the people committing crimes needed to be put to work for the good of the community.

But one Lake St retailer who asked to remain anonymous said more cops on the beat is not the answer.

“There’s a big police presence already and they are doing their job,” she said.

“But it would be sad to see lots more police patrols.”

Veteran Cairns fashion retailer Victor Mellick said he had like to see more police around.

But he said he believes the vibe of Cairns CBD will improve dramatically when visitors from around the country and overseas return.

“When we get the tourists back it will be better,” he said

“My argument is when places are quiet there’s trouble,”

Originally published as Cairns CBD crime wave must be stopped say Lake St shop owners