The Member for Riverton has asked the Water Corporation to review all of its open drains in the area following concerns they have been used to assist home invasions and burglaries.
Examiner Newspapers recently reported on a Willetton resident’s complaint about suspicious behaviour at a drain near his house on Modillion Avenue after houses in the area were broken into.
Following the report Dr Mike Nahan revealed he had spoken to the Minister for Water previously requesting upgrades to a fence at Nurdi Park on Kalangedy Drive because of similar concerns.
The corporation confirmed upgrades to the fence had been completed in mid-July but Dr Nahan said he believed the issue could be greater than first realised.
“While I was pleased to see the upgrades completed recently, it appears this is a more widespread issue,” he said.
“Given that Riverton has a number of open drains located throughout the suburb, this appears to be a serious local issue.
“I call on the Water Corporation to conduct an assessment of their infrastructure in Riverton to ensure that all the open drains are secure and not used to facilitate crime in the area.”
In response to resident concerns in the past, the City of Canning had deployed a mobile surveillance unit at Nurdi Park, increased ranger patrols in the area and requested the Water Corporation to improve security.
Canning councillor Ben Kunze said he was concerned it had become a big issue.
“While the city responded to the problems at Nurdi Park, I don’t believe the city should be expected to monitor the multitude of open drains across Riverton,” he said.
“It’s important these drains are secure, preventing easy access to peoples’ properties.”
Councillor Patrick Hall is a former police officer and said his past experience meant he was aware of concerns people had when there were holes in home security.
Mr Hall advised residents to keep on the lookout for suspicious behaviour.
“To disrupt this type of activity – much of which happens during the daylight hours – residents really need to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police,” he said.
“If any residents would like to be involved in helping to reduce crime in their area then I urge them to contact the City of Canning and consider joining Canning’s Neighbourhood Watch Group.”
Water Corporation said it took unauthorised access and use of its land seriously and encouraged anybody who saw suspicious activity in their area to contact police first before calling the corporation’s 24-hour security line on 13 13 75.
