Carnarvon Community Patrol keeps youth off street following reduction in police call-outs in past two months

Call-outs for antisocial behaviour around Carnarvon have slowed since tougher liquor restrictions and a trial project to avoid youth roaming the streets started, sources say. The Carnarvon Community Patrol launched in February, with the Aboriginal Biodiversity Conservation (ABC) Foundation conducting sweeps around town on foot and visiting retailers across town from 3pm until late, four nights a week. Shire president Eddie Smith claimed it was the first time in a year and a half he hasn’t seen glass shattered along the streets of Carnarvon and said the community patrol seemed to be working. “It’s quietening things down, some of the kids are off the street,” he said. Sandhust Security Services owner Paul Dixon, who is also the president of Carnarvon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said there was a noticeable reduction in retail call-outs to “almost nil” thanks to a “three-pronged attack” — the community patrol, a boost in police presence, and the liquor restrictions. “These programs have been instrumental in getting rid of a lot of the young ones on the streets around town, in the shopping centre and places like that,” he said. “I see it through the chamber as being a highly successful operation that is making a significant difference in the town. It’s one of many things — as well as the significant increase in police presence and the liquor restrictions.” ABC Foundation CEO Helen Slater said the Carnarvon community and businesses were beginning to recognise the CCP at work and understood it was an important part of the system. “These kids are looking for things to do, and sometimes those things are causing havoc in town and running through the shops, but I believe the presence of the patrol has definitely been a deterrent,” she said. “Being able to connect them back to activities and showing them that attention, that’s also made a big difference. They’re getting positive attention from the patrol . . . it’s about creating activities that become a deterrent from being in town, and making sure that they’re fed as well.” Some of the harshest alcohol restrictions in the State implemented in May have also contributed to a reduction in crime. Carnarvon police acting Sen. Sgt Chris Fox said in the past 60 days the demand for dispatch had reduced, but cold weather and high offender incarcerations needed to be factored in. “We can’t just say it is because of the added security and scrutiny of the supply of alcohol, but we can definitely say that our incidents have reduced since it’s come in,” he said. Local police had added about 11 people from Carnarvon to the banned drinkers register since its implementation.