Call for 24-hour police patrols

By Dion Teasdale
REPORTS of late-night hooliganism at the Coles Express service station in Healesville have lead to calls for increased police presence in the town.
Healesville resident Nadine Wood said loitering and vandalism in and around the service station highlighted the need for a 24-hour police station in Healesville.
Ms Wood, who regularly visits the Coles Express service station in the early hours of weekend mornings, said the situation was ‘dangerous’ and a ‘disaster waiting to happen’.
“The people who loiter around the service station in the early hours of the morning are a continual nightmare for the overnight staff and customers,” she said.
“They gather in groups of 10 to 20 people and stand around the service station and inside. They look alcohol or drug-affected and are generally unpleasant to be around.”
Ms Wood described the swearing of patrons in the service station, around the toilets and petrol pumps as ‘revolting’ and ‘quite frightening’.
“They harass legitimate customers both inside and outside and it has to be stopped before someone is hurt. It is extremely lucky that none of the staff have been injured,” she said.
In addition to an increased police presence in the town, Ms Wood has also suggested Coles Express employ measures to move the crowds on.
“I think it would be a good idea if Coles piped classical music through the store and outside to dissuade these people from loitering,” she said.
“Genuine customers don’t mind it in the least and I would prefer that instead of having to be confronted by drunken, drug affected, swearing louts.”
Yarra Ranges District Inspector Mick Beattie said he didn’t believe there was justification for a 24-hour police station in Healesville.
“The coverage in place there adequately meets the policing needs of the community,” he said.
“However, we always have an open mind about these matters and keep a close eye on trends in crime, traffic incidents and calls for police assistance.”
Inspector Beattie said police staffing levels at stations across the Yarra Valley and along the Warburton Highway would be reviewed in the coming months.
“I’m not saying there will never be a 24-hour police station in Healesville, but based on present data it would be impossible to justify to that level,” he said.
A Coles Express spokeswoman said the company takes all issues impacting the safety of staff members, customers and the local community very seriously.
“We are currently working in cooperation with the police and other local business owners to address the issue of anti-social behaviour at night in Healesville,” she said.