ChaplainWatch’s Dylan Clendinning reacts to Rockhampton crime data
With more than 200 offences recorded in Rockhampton CBD in the last year, a leader of a frontline support service that responds to alcohol fuelled violence says he is not surprised.
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With more than 200 offences recorded in Rockhampton CBD in the last year, the team leader of a frontline support service that responds to alcohol fuelled violence says he is not surprised.
East St in Rockhampton City was recently identified as the worst street for offending in the Rockhampton region, according to police data, with a cluster of 245 offences recorded at the corner of William St in the past year.
ChaplainWatch Rockhampton NightWatch team leader Dylan Clendinning said he was not surprised by the data.
“East St is essentially one of the highest populated areas in Rockhampton week after week,” he said.
“Last Saturday (night) I would estimate about 1500 people in East St.
“When we are looking at those numbers it only makes sense this is one of the highest crime rate areas.”
ChaplainWatch opened its rest and recovery centre on East St in Rockhampton in 2020, which is open from 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights.
Dressed in purple and sporting vests, ChaplainWatch’s NightWatch crew in Rockhampton patrol the CBD streets in cars and on foot, prepared to lend a hand to those who need it.
“We are just here to watch out for people when good times go bad,” Mr Clendinning said.
“It could be as simple as a cut on your finger or a blister on your foot, to something as extreme as a mental health crisis or a first aid event.”
Although rare, he said their team had responded to incidents involving mental leath issues. He said however most revellers at East St head out to enjoy their night.
“The safe night precinct in Rockhampton is phenomenal,” he said.
“Really safe and people just enjoy the night time economy.”
He said the community service organisation, which mostly consisted of volunteers, worked closely with police.
“We often refer certain jobs to them and they refer certain jobs to us,” he said.
“I have to say the community policing approach from Rockhampton police is one of the best I have seen throughout Queensland.
“It’s incredibly humbling to work alongside so many great officers.”
“We are here, we are ready and we are willing to respond to whatever needs you might have in the safe night precinct.
“Give us a call on our hotline and we will be straight there.”
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