City to launch Jull Street security trial

The City of Armadale will introduce a three-month security services trial in the Jull Street Mall to address concerns of anti-social behaviour and its impact on trade and public safety in the City centre.

The trial will extend existing private security arrangements within the two major shopping centres into the public space in Jull Street.

It will be undertaken on weekday afternoons and peak business hours on Saturday and Sunday.

Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones OAM JP said that by extending the private contract, the cost of the trial could be minimised.

“The important thing is to measure whether these security personnel can make a difference. That will give the business community a good guide as to whether it is worth extending these patrols into the future,” he said.

Mayor Zelones said that security staff were no substitute for real police and he would continue to fight for a regular police presence in Jull Street at all times.

“Like the business community, we are fed up with small groups of individuals that spoil the shopping and business experience of the broader community,” he said.

People that are frightening or intimidating shoppers will be moved on. We’ve had enough.”

Due to start in early October, the trial is estimated to cost $26,700 and will be funded from money originally budgeted to the Jull Street Mall Revitalisation project.

Mayor Zelones that said the perception of public safety and security within the mall had been a topic of discussion on numerous occasions within the City. It was a major concern across every age group and suburb during the City’s community consultation survey held earlier in the year.

“The purpose of trial is to gauge the extent of the problem, identify those who may be causing problems on a regular basis and enlist direct intervention by the police,” he said.

“I would expect the security guards to be reporting antisocial behaviour and crimes direct to the police and recording the number of instances.

“I would also expect liaison with the Public Transport Authority security staff who oversee behaviour on the train and bus system.

“We are also concerned with the large number of school age children loitering in the mall from early in the morning until late afternoon and an effort would be made to ensure school age children are where they should be, at school.

“At the conclusion of the trial, Council will assess if the service has had any impact.

“At the least, this measure should go some way to restoring public confidence during the coming festive shopping season.”