‘No intention’ to reopen Casuarina Square police beat despite frequent reports of youth anti-social behaviour
DAILY reports of youth running amok have reignited debate over whether a shuttered police beat within Casuarina Square should be reopened. HAVE YOUR SAY IN OUR POLL
Northern Territory
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NT POLICE have poured cold water on the idea of reopening a shuttered police beat inside Casuarina Square shopping centre, despite frequent reports of brawls.
The Casuarina Square “cop shop” was closed in July 2014, with a spokeswoman citing a nearby station being able to deliver “more efficient and effective” policing.
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The facility was located inside the shopping centre, acting as a prominent deterrent to would-be crims and delinquents.
Reports of violence at Casuarina Square reached epic proportions over the weekend, when footage of six young girls reportedly fighting over a stolen phone went viral online.
Workers within the centre also told the NT News that young girls and boys were acting out daily.
Despite the chaos, NT Police insist there’s no need for the police beat to reopen.
“There is no current intention for the Northern Territory Police Force to re-establish Casuarina Police Beat,” a police spokeswoman said.
“The Casuarina Police Beat was closed as the services provided by staff at the Police Beat were also able to be provided at the nearby Casuarina Police Station,” the spokeswoman said.
“As such, Northern Territory Police Force resources were reallocated to provide a more efficient and effective frontline service to our community,” she said.
Despite the closure, the spokeswoman said officers continued to patrol Casuarina Square.
“The Casuarina Police Station has a strong relationship with Casuarina Square Shopping Centre management and meet regularly to discuss any issues and/or areas of concern,” she said.
Despite this, no call to police was made after the fight between six girls as Casuarina Square on Wednesday last week.
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