Petition demands crime inquiry

Geraldton Residents Demand Our Streets Back leader Michele McLean has launched a new petition calling on the WA Government to hold a Parliamentary inquiry into the causes of crime and anti-social behaviour in the City of Greater Geraldton.

The group is also calling on the Government to increase resources to address community safety concerns, with the petition claiming residents feel unsafe in their own homes, particularly those who live alone, for fear of home invasion.

Many are reluctant to go outside for the fear of their homes being burgled.

Ms McLean said the plan was to gather the signatures of about 5000 residents.

“We will keep the petition on the streets until Christmas if we have to to get the numbers,” she said.

Member of the Legislative Council and Member of the Agricultural Region Darren West supports the push for more resources and the inquiry, saying he wants education to be a key to combating the growing crime problem.

“We want to look at education and drugs as some of the factors contributing to crime rates (and) we are planning (to come) up with solutions,” he said.

“If kids don’t want to be at school, why don’t they want to be at school?

“And what more can be done to ensure kids stay in school rather than roam the streets.”

The petition - which will be available in numerous locations over the coming weeks - will also circulate online.