Incident highlights need for police patrols

Incident highlights need for police patrols

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 00:00

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Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

Nationals Candidate for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson said an ''ugly incident'' in Tamworth's main street on Tuesday has highlighted the need for more police patrols in the CBD during the holiday break.

''I was disgusted with an incident on Tuesday where a group of young people threatened a shopkeeper after they were asked to move on,'' Mr Anderson said.

''The incident turned very ugly where several young people threw punches and someone could have been seriously hurt. The police were called and turned up quickly, but the damage had been done and the group moved on.

''These louts need to show respect and need to realise that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated. It's a fact that a police presence does deter anti-social behaviour.''

Mr Anderson said the holiday break traditionally sees more people in the Tamworth CBD. He said while the increase in business is welcome, the accompanying rise in shop theft and anti-social behaviour is not.

''There is always an increase in stealing and bad behaviour at this time of year and shopkeepers are fed up. They are calling for more police patrols in the CBD particularly around lunch time to help them fight that battle,'' Mr Anderson said.

''We are getting more police in town for the festival period, but unfortunately this behaviour is a problem all year round.''

Mr Anderson said changing people's behaviour was one of the aims of the NSW Nationals and Liberals Making our Streets Safe Again policy. The policy includes the return of drunk and disorderly conduct to the Summary Offences Act and strengthens existing 'Move On Powers'.

Mr Anderson said the way the state's police resources are allocated needs to change. ''It must be designed to free up and increase police numbers in areas where they are needed most. Police can then undertake proactive work - at present a lot of their time is spent being reactive,'' Mr Anderson said.

''Many Tamworth business owners, like me, have had enough of loutish behaviour in our main street. We desperately need a stronger and more visible police presence on the streets,'' Mr Anderson said.

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