Youth crime has reportedly “skyrocketed” at Carousel Shopping Centre, with retailers now saying they are being robbed by gangs of children as young as eight.
Shoplifting, mugging customers, exposing themselves to women in changing rooms, spitting on security guards and threatening anyone with violence if they confront them over their behaviour are just some of the incidents occurring daily at the Cannington mall.
Canning mayor Patrick Hall said he would be meeting with Carousel managers to see what could be done.
“Regrettably, crime is a statewide concern, and the issues raised this week are being felt in most shopping centres, not only at Carousel,” he said.
“I’m really proud of Westfield Carousel and its long connection to our community.
“It remains the largest shopping centre in Western Australia, with more than 350 retailers, and 12 million visitors attending the centre annually.
“There is no doubt that Carousel offers Perth’s most attractive offering of shopping and entertainment, however sometimes the wrong elements are also attracted.
“From my own personal experience, I am confident that Carousel remains a safe destination, with its state-of-the-art security systems, internal foot patrols by their security team, the option of valet parking at the door, and regular patrols in and around the precinct by WA Police and the City of Canning’s own rangers.”
“I encourage residents to report crime and suspicious behaviour.
“If you see something, then please say something. We all have a role to play in fighting crime and keeping our communities safe.”
The crime spree has had shop managers and customers up in arms, one mother calling it “organised crime” after her 12-year-old son was mugged there twice in three weeks.
At last week’s Canning Council meeting, Mr Hall said he had discussed the crime problem with Cannington MLA Bill Johnston, Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Energy, Hydrogen Industry and Industrial Relations.
“The Minister has advised me that he has discussed these matters with the responsible Minister John Quigley and that both he and the Minister are supportive,” he said.
Mr Hall said he had committed to discussing crime funding options with the Minister in the lead up to next year’s State election.
He said he was confident the Government would work towards tangible funding options to fight crime.
A WA Police spokesperson said Cannington District officers worked closely with retail outlets to assist in enhancing their theft prevention capabilities.
“Officers conduct frequent patrols of the major shopping centres in Cannington District, and are always ready to respond swiftly to community calls,” they said.
“Additionally, overt and covert operations are conducted to further identify and charge individuals committing offences in retail outlets.”
They also said that while violent offences were not prominent at any of the shopping centres in the Cannington District, that they did not “tolerate individuals coming into these shopping precincts, with the intention of committing offences”.
“These are locations within our community often visited by families, and young children,” they said.
