A COORDINATED response program between Kalamunda Police and the City of Kalamunda aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour is already returning positive results.

Since commencing in July this year, the program has yielded a reduction in anti-social behaviour and theft based on year-on-year comparisons for the same period last year.

The program was established in response to concerns raised by community residents and businesses, with partner agencies coming together to implement a proactive and intelligence-led approach focused on prevention, early intervention and enforcement where required.

Key initiatives to date include school patrols to identify truancy, engagement with businesses regarding retail theft and anti-social behaviour, increased police patrols throughout the town centre and targeted action against repeat offenders.

A highlight for the program was its strengthened engagement with young people, helping connect them with appropriate support through schools, families and community networks, while enforcing accountability where offending has occurred.

KADS Theatre vandalism increasing (Echo News, July 10) reported KADS Theatre president Fi Livings saying in July that vandalism was a problem which ramped up noticeably at the KADS theatre over the previous 18 months.

Ms Livings said since the program started there had definitely been a decrease in vandalism.

“Saying that, we just finished doing a season last week and we did have quite a few nights where there were young lads banging on the theatre door and throwing wet tissue paper at the theatre, which was a bit annoying,” she said.

“They’ve got nothing to do – I think that’s the problem… but the veranda hasn’t been as bad as it had been.”

Forrestfield Police Station Senior Sergeant and officer in charge Brad Robinson said the results demonstrate the value of agencies in the community working towards a common goal.

“This initiative has shown what can be achieved when local partners work together, understand the issues affecting the community and coordinate their efforts,” he said.

“Through a combination of prevention, engagement, reassurance patrols and targeted enforcement, we have seen positive outcomes for local businesses, residents and visitors.

“The success of the program reflects a shared commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming town centre while supporting young people to make positive choices.”

According to the city, regular high-visibility police patrols will continue throughout the KADS precinct, Central Mall, Kalamunda Central, Haynes Street and Railway Road during peak times to provide reassurance to businesses, residents and visitors.

City of Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas said community collaboration was important and addressing anti-social behaviour is “about more than enforcement alone”.

“To create lasting change, we need to connect with young people through the networks that matter most to them, including their families, schools and local community,” she said.

“When we work together, we can help young people feel supported, make positive choices and strengthen our community for everyone.”

Forrestfield Police are also exploring opportunities to strengthen CCTV coverage and improve real-time communication between police and city rangers to support an even more coordinated response to emerging issues.

For more information visit City of Kalamunda's website or phone the city on 9257 9999 or email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au.