24 August 2016
Peter Katsambanis calls for police bicycle patrols at Hillarys Boat Harbour
Peter Katsambanis, Liberal candidate for Hillarys and Member for North Metropolitan Region, has called for the introduction of regular police bicycle patrols at Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Mr Katsambanis has renewed his push for a greater police presence at the Hillarys Boat Harbour in light of last weekend’s attack on an elderly gentleman visitor. This attack was followed by an assault on a builder working in the nearby suburb of Sorrento.
“Hillarys Boat Harbour is a wonderful local facility that attracts more than 4.5 million visitors a year. It provides family-friendly entertainment options with its high quality retail, dining and recreational facilities.
“After talking to the traders and residents in the area, it has become apparent that things could be done to make the Boat Harbour even safer than it is and to ensure that the police are able to respond very quickly to any incidents,” Mr Katsambanis said.
“Regular and highly visible patrols would enhance community safety, deter anti-social activity and allow for more rapid responses if and when required. The pedestrian-friendly area ideally lends itself to patrol by bicycles as it is not easily accessible by cars,” Mr Katsambanis said.
Mr Katsambanis pointed to the successful introduction of such bicycle patrols in Northbridge.
“These patrols have been worked tremendously well and generated extremely high community support. Northbridge has become a much safer place and extending the patrols to Hillarys would have the same popularity and success,” he continued.
“I understand this is an operational matter for the police, but as a local Hillarys resident and Member for the North Metropolitan Region, I want to see Hillarys Boat Harbour and the surrounding precinct grow, thrive and prosper. I want it to remain a family-friendly place. I want to see it remain a strong employment base. I want to encourage as many Western Australians and tourists to Western Australia to visit the Hillarys Boat Harbour and enjoy the facilities there,” Mr Katsambanis concluded.
Yesterday evening Mr Katsambanis made a member’s statement in the Legislative Council calling for the introduction of regular patrols. He has also written to the Minister for Police, Hon Liza Harvey MLA, asking that she bring this urgent request to the attention of police command.