Carpark crime a community concern

Other victims of assaults in or around the main carpark on Stirling Terrace have come forward, after a woman had her teeth knocked out and wrist broken in a violent assault last Saturday.

Police are continuing investigations into the alleged unprovoked assault of a 48-year-old Albany woman between midnight and 1am on Saturday in the carpark near Rivers on Stirling Terrace, which is home to bars and a nightclub.

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The woman was hospitalised, requiring several stitches to her lip and chin, and had teeth knocked out, a broken wrist and severe bruising from the attack, which reportedly involved a group of teenagers.

Another victim of an assault at the same spot came forward to the Albany Advertiser to share his story in a plea to revellers who might walk through the area.

The Albany man, who wished to remain anonymous, was attacked in the same carpark by a large group this month and encouraged people to be vigilant in the area.

“My attack was unprovoked and most of the hits I got were in the back of my head, leaving me knocked out,” he said.

“Everyone should be wary of that carpark and definitely not walk alone through there.”

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Advertiser readers expressed their concerns about the area for those travelling between the White Star and towards York Street.

One wrote on the Advertiser Facebook page: “The streets are not safe nowadays. I’m not saying don’t go out. All I’m saying is go with a group. Power in numbers. And yes, they need cameras everywhere.”

Another said the carpark “desperately needs lights and cameras”. Last month, the Advertiser reported an additional 20 cameras would be installed in known crime hotspots across Albany before the end of the year.

While the carpark is on private land, City of Albany chief executive Andrew Sharpe said the City had a CCTV camera which monitored the entrance to the carpark.

Mr Sharpe said there were also 14 CCTV cameras on Stirling Terrace managed by the City.

“A requirement of these cameras that have been funded through State and Federal grants, is that they are positioned in consultation with local police and based on crime statistics,” he said. “The live feed from the cameras is provided to police at the Albany Police Station and is also recorded by the City of Albany.

“The City maintains strong relationships with private landholders in the CBD and is looking to increase the number of CCTV cameras as and when funding allows.”