Police target antisocial behaviour

Newman police will maintain a more visible presence at licensed premises, following a recent increase in antisocial behaviour.

Newman Senior Sergeant Mark Fleskens said an increase in antisocial behaviour had led to the arrest of seven people within one week.

One of three incidents involved five men who will face court this month after being charged with disorderly conduct, with police alleging they had to use oleoresin capsicum spray to break up a serious fight.

Sen. Sgt Fleskens said officers had a zero-tolerance approach and would take the appropriate action by charging people who broke the law.

He said licensed premises needed to ensure they were complying with the liquor act and legislations.

“We will be raising a visible presence at licensed premises to ensure licensees comply with the legislations,” he said. “Police will not tolerate heavy alcohol or excessive consumption of alcohol drinks or antisocial behaviour.

“We will take the appropriate action by charging people who transgress and break the law.”

South Hedland Senior Sergeant Dean Snashall said despite a decrease in antisocial behaviour in recent months, alcohol still remained the No.1 priority for local officers as 90 per cent of jobs they attended were alcohol-related.

“The fact that we’ve now employed a dedicated liquor enforcement sergeant indicates that we are concerned about the level of alcohol and antisocial behaviour in town,” he said.

“Albeit, the past three months we have noticed a decrease in antisocial behaviour, particularly around the town square.

“It’s on our radar, it’s an issue, but it’s certainly not as bad as it was late last year into the early part of this year.”