Vines residents vote in favour of security patrol

Published on 14 November 2018

The City of Swan Council will soon decide on the future of security patrols in The Vines after a survey to all residents in the suburb indicated support for the service to return.

The survey asked residents whether they were willing to pay an additional levy to support a contracted mobile community security patrol, and the cost they would be prepared to pay.

A total of 2,063 surveys were distributed with 723 responses (35% return rate). Of these, 457 (63.21%) residents voted yes and 255 (35.27%) voted no.

The majority of supporters (50.21%) preferred a 24 hour a day, seven day a week service at an estimated cost of $250-$270 per year.

City of Swan Deputy Mayor Kevin Bailey said the survey results will be presented to Council this month for a decision.

“While it is evident that there are opposing views about whether or not to operate this service, it is also clear that neighbourhood safety is an important priority for all members of our community in The Vines,” he said.

“Regardless of the outcome, we will continue to work on crime prevention initiatives in The Vines, surrounding suburbs and our entire City of Swan region.

“We have a close relationship with WA Police and local community groups, and together we will continue to tackle local issues related to crime prevention and community safety.”

In June 2018, Council resolved to cease the existing patrol service in Ellenbrook and The Vines for twelve months, not initiate a patrol service in Aveley, and reassess the need for the service in 2019.

However, following this decision, Council received a petition from some residents of The Vines to reinstate the security patrols within The Vines only.

Following a council resolution to resurvey The Vines community, all property and business owners in the suburb were surveyed during late September and October.

To view the latest Council Meeting agenda, visit our Council page.