Weekly gang violence keeps families away from Scarborough bars and restaurants
Scarborough’s beachside entertainment strip has seen another night of violence and anti-social behaviour, with balaclava-wearing teens seen prowling the area in large gangs.
In a brawl inside bar Oceans 6019, security guards pulled several men apart whilst an innocent bystander was knocked to the ground.
Police also broke up a fight that involved about 60 juveniles.
The Sunday Times had reported that several balaclava-clad males were stalking the Scarborough area throughout the night.
One teenager was physically restrained while others were interrogated by uniformed officers.
Earlier that evening, some males were heard encouraging their friends to attack others in front of uniformed police and CCTV cameras.
Libby Mettam, Deputy WA Liberal leader said families were staying away from the area due to fear of violence.
“There is an obvious need for a greater police presence in areas experiencing escalating violence such as Scarborough, to ensure families can come back to these areas and feel safe,” she told The Sunday Times.
“These are distressing scenes that are completely unacceptable and highlight the McGowan Government’s failure to tackle this public safety issue.
“There is no way of spinning this, the McGowan Government have allowed this situation to escalate, not only in Scarborough but also Hillarys and Northbridge and it requires an urgent response.
“Families should be able to go to these areas without the fear of violence.”
According to a local beachside bar staff member who spoke to The West, this type of teenage related violence is happening on a weekly basis in Scarborough.
Irit Jackson, 10th January 2022
