Street drinking causing concern

Warren Shire Council’s concern at “blatant” drinking going on in the town’s streets and parks prompted a meeting on Friday afternoon with Darling River Local Area Commander Superintendent Michael Robinson.

“When are police going to police the alcohol-free zones?” queried Councillor Richard Azar at last week’s meeting of council.

“They (offenders) are there now drinking with long necks in their hands and the impression it is giving to travellers can’t be good.”

According to Cr Azar when police are called they “show up hours later”.

Cr McKay said he had also observed “drinking in the park during daylight hours”.

Mayor Rex Wilson said a visit on Friday by Superintendent Robinson was “timely”.

“Discussions ranged over a number of law and order issues in what was a productive meeting concluding with assurances about Warren’s authorised strength of police officers being guaranteed.”

Superintendent Robinson said despite a commitment to high visibility, police couldn’t be everywhere at once and jobs must be prioritised.

“Don’t make the assumption police know about incidents, we appreciate community feedback,” he said. Superintendent Robinson also said (in relation to drinking alcohol in the street) for an offence to be committed a container such as a bottle must be actually open.

“People are also entitled to congregate as long as they are not causing a problem for anyone else.”

Warren Advocate