A Wollongong councillor wants to investigate ways to make Helensburgh a safer place for residents, in response to concerns around thefts, hooning and vandalism in the northern Illawarra suburb.
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Cr Cameron Walters has been spurred on by discussion on social media, an article in the local magazine 2508, approaches from residents, and his own observations in the area.
He said antisocial behaviour in car parks was a concern, as was public drinking, and there had also been break-ins at shops.
Such incidents were mostly a concern at night time, he said, when fewer people were around.
"There has been a lot of talk on this matter, but not a lot has actually been done to secure Helensburgh for the thousands of people who are fed up," Cr Walters said.
"While many people have decided to call Helensburgh home due to its isolation from more populated parts of Wollongong or Sydney, others are also treating this great suburb in the wrong way."
Cr Walters will move a motion at Monday's meeting for Wollongong City Council's general manager Greg Doyle to liaise with the local area command about any measures that could be enacted immediately to improve safety.
He said he hoped this communication with police would allow the council to better understand how it could help address the issue.
When it came to police, Cr Walters said more local patrols were a possible measure to mitigate antisocial behaviour.
He will also call on the council to organise a forum in Helensburgh within the next three months and invite residents, community groups, businesses, police, Heathcote MP Lee Evans, and the Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce.
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Cr Walters said it was important to listen to residents and business owners about their concerns.
Cr Walters also wants to see the council investigate the option of installing CCTV in the suburb, to both monitor and discourage bad behaviour.
"Other areas on the South Coast have had a lot of success with CCTV implementation and I believe that this could go a long way in not only deterring crime, but catching those responsible for crime when it happens," he said.
Cr Walters also wants the council to report back to councillors after six months on the progress made towards improving safety in the area.
Councillors will vote on the motion next week.
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