Violence shakes Docklands

Two thirds of Docklanders surveyed in May said they felt less safe after an attack at Watermark Bar.

A gang of 15 men wielding machetes and baseball bats almost severed the thumb of a security guard in April.

Some 15 people responded to the online survey with 10 (66.7 per cent) saying they felt less safe, four saying they didn’t feel less safe and one being uncertain.

To the question: “What can be done about violence in Docklands?”, 12 people left comments.  Among them were:

• More police patrols.
• The owners and staff of the nightclubs need to take more responsibility who they serve with liquor.
• Increase security and reduce all liquor licences in the Docklands precinct to 12am to minimise anti-social behaviour.
• Police should have more of a presence on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. It would be perfect if we had a sub-police station at Docklands.
• A greater after-dark police presence when unruly visitors become violent.
• Don’t attract thugs!
• No exclusive ethnic nights.
• Restrict the number of patrons.
• We need more police presence in Docklands, 1am liquor licences and a change in society’s attitudes.
• No new licences whatsoever.
• Community vigilance.