Has crime increased in the inner north? Residents of Watson and Downer have started a petition, backed by Canberra Liberals leader Elizabeth Lee, calling for more funding for police to protect them from a wave of antisocial behaviour.
Graffiti, theft, burglary, drug trafficking, harassment and assault have increased in the suburb, the petition states. Although residents report incidents to the police, the cops do not have enough resources to protect the community; residents live in fear, worried they will receive the protection they need; and the government will not act against repeat offenders, the petitioners say.
“Some of the stories I have heard are very concerning, with Watson residents being regularly threatened walking to the local shops, thieves breaking into cars and homes, along with other property damage,” Ms Lee said. “Many locals have told me that they have now stopped visiting the shops, and it is having a huge impact on local traders.”
ACT Policing, however, notes that offences reported in Watson have decreased over the last couple of years, by 23.8 per cent. In 2022, there were 416 offences reported; last year, 317.
The petition calls on the government to allocate sufficient resources for police, and make police presence in the suburbs visible and regular. It also calls on ACT Housing to prevent and address anti-social behaviour; and for repeat offenders to be held to account.
The residents to whom Ms Lee spoke, she said, believed that the government did not adequately resource “the hardworking [police] offers on the frontline”, and did not respond to their concerns.
“Residents have received no understanding, no empathy, and no action in relation to their concerns about feeling safe in their own homes,” Ms Lee said. “It is distressing for many people currently living in Watson, including some of our most vulnerable Canberrans.”
Ms Lee said she had raised the issue with government ministers, and would advocate for her constituents on this issue.
ACT Policing acknowledged community concerns about crime in Watson. This week, they attended a community meeting focused on Downer and Watson.
“Where operational priorities allow, police will conduct regular patrols in the Watson area, but it is important to note that crime in the ACT is not limited to one suburb or region,” a spokesperson said.
“ACT Policing take all reports of crime seriously and encourages members of the community to report anti-social behaviour to police.
“Reports from members of the community help police to target crime in the ACT, including burglaries, thefts, and drug crime.”
The ACT Government sent the following response:
“In February, Minister Vassarotti, Minister Rattenbury, staff from the Chief Minister’s office and Minister Stephen Smith’s office and representatives from Housing ACT and ACT Policing attended a number of meetings with the Watson Community Association to discuss issues of anti-social and criminal behaviour in Watson.
“The Community Services Directorate has conducted site visits, and clean ups at housing properties and written to all residents regarding their obligations and responsibilities in relation to behaviour and property condition.
“At the time of the visits they did not find any rough sleepers and will continue to monitor the area.
“ACT Policing are aware of community concerns and routinely conduct proactive policing in all northern suburbs of the ACT, including Watson.
“ACT Policing data shows that, contrary to the perception of an increased level of crime in the area, offences for Watson have decreased by 23.8 per cent, with 416 offences reported in 2022 and 317 offences in 2023. Burglary and property damage offences reported reduced significantly from 2022 to 2023.”
