Business owners on the Cairns Esplanade want consistent police presence with crime running rampant

Cairns Police have talked up introducing initiatives to lower the crime rates of the CBD but business owners beg to differ. HAVE YOUR SAY

ESPLANADE businesses are calling for a consistent police presence on the tourist hot spot, saying police initiatives have had a minor impact and there is still more to be done.

Owner of the Esplanade’s Oasis Kebabs and Pizza Kellee Martorella said she had seen everything from drunk harassment of staff to petty theft while working at her shop.

Cairns Esplanade restaurant owner Kellee Martorella is sick of the petty theft and unruliness surrounding Cairns CBD and is calling for a more consistent police presence along the Esplanade. Picture Emily Barker.

“People come to the counter and they can’t stand up right but they hurl abuse at our staff, we have kids running past pinching bags from tables and it’s been left to customers to catch them before police arrive,” she said.

“On top of this, they’re leaving a mess and it looks terrible.

“We need to see a constant police presence for our stores.”

Churro Time owner Daniel Rhodes is a strong voice in active campaigning for the Esplanade and said while staff have got used to the crime levels along the tourist walkway, it’s a danger that needs to be addressed. Picture: Brendan Radke

Daniel Rhodes, owner of popular tourist spot Churro Time, said while his staff have gotten used to the daily occurrences, something has to be done.

“I’ve had people run past throwing beer bottles or trying to gang bash others, it’s a danger to my staff and my customers, but it’s also an eyesore,” he said.

“It’s creating a really bad image of Cairns for tourists.

“Tax dollars should be put to keeping the town centre looking respectable. There should be a constant presence on the Esplanade and Lake Street.”

Originally published as Business owners on the Cairns Esplanade want consistent police presence with crime running rampant