Calls for permanent police beat at The Pines Elanora amid rising anti-social behaviour
Calls are mounting for a permanent police beat at a southern Gold Coast shopping centre as residents claim they feel “incredibly unsafe” at the mall they once loved.
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Calls are mounting for a permanent police beat at a southern Gold Coast shopping centre as residents claim they feel “incredibly unsafe” at the mall they once loved.
A Gold Coast resident recently sent a letter addressed to the management at The Pines in Elanora, outlining the stark reality of rising crime at and around the centre.
“Over recent times I have noticed a significant decline in the sense of safety and community spirit that once defined our local centre,” the resident said.
“It is deeply troubling to see groups of youths behaving aggressively and even abusing shoppers who are simply minding their business.
“Unfortunately, it is not just teenagers, there are also some adults within the centre who appear to be looking for trouble.
“This has made what should be a quick and pleasant visit to the shops or McDonald’s feel uncomfortable, and at times, unsafe.”
The letter sparked an uproar from several locals calling for a permanent police beat at the centre.
A Queensland Police Service (QPS) spokesman confirmed officers were aware of recent reports of anti-social behaviour in and around the centre, however said they had no plans to establish a permanent police beat.
“Gold Coast police will continue to monitor the area closely as part of regular and targeted patrol operations,” the police spokesman said.
“Police regularly patrol shopping precincts, including The Pines, and work in close partnership with centre management and other stakeholders to address any emerging issues and ensure the safety of shoppers, staff and business owners.”
The police statement said their patrols are conducted with marked vehicles, foot patrols, and mobile police beats.
“The QPS continues to adopt an agile and borderless policing approach, supported by enhanced technology, meaning officers are no longer restricted to a static location,” they spokesman said.
“This ensures that regardless of where an officer is based, they spend the majority of their shift actively patrolling the community and responding to calls for service.”
The calls come two months after an 11-year-old girl was allegedly attacked by a group of teenage girls outside McDonald’s.
A McDonald’s Australia spokeswoman said they were working with The Pines and local police to ensure “our restaurants are spaces that our people and the community can enjoy”.
“At McDonald’s, the safety and wellbeing of our people and customers is our top priority,” the spokeswoman said.
“We have a zero-tolerance police for anti-social behaviour and do not accept abuse, intimidation, threats or violence towards our employees or customers.”
Resident Erin Hull said the “McDonald’s is more SmackDonald’s at the moment”.
“It’s disheartening to hear how frustrated and negative people are feeling, after all, that’s not the vibe we want in our community.
“We have to work together to foster a safer environment.”
Kat Malyon said she recently took her four-year-old to McDonald’s and “felt incredibly unsafe.”
However, some residents disputed the claims and said they had “never had any trouble”.
“Maybe go to Woolworths in Woodridge if you want something to complain about,” one resident said.
“Sure there might have been some bad incidents, doesn’t warrant living in fear at The Pines for goodness sakes.”
The Pines Elanora were contacted for comment.
Concerns about safety and anti-social behaviour at shopping precincts have been growing on the Gold Coast – frequently accompanied by requests for more police infrastructure and resources.
A series of troubling incidents near the James St shopping precinct at Burleigh Heads helped drive the LNP government’s commitment to establishing a new police beat in the vicinity – a promise that’s now been delayed – while violent episodes have recently also taken place at centres including Westfield Helensvale and Australia Fair.
More Coverage
Originally published as Calls for permanent police beat at The Pines Elanora amid rising anti-social behaviour
Gold Coast ‘gun’ scare: Man’s alleged threat sparks police cordon
A night out at a Gold Coast pub took a tense turn when a man allegedly brandished what appeared to be a handgun, leading to a police standoff. Read what happened.
Charges laid over alleged violent Glitter Strip robbery of tourists
Police have charged a man over a violent robbery of two tourists in Surfers Paradise early on Monday morning. Read the latest on what we know.