The NSW Shadow Minister for Police, Michael Gallacher and John Chedid, Liberal Candidate for Parramatta, met with Ermington residents and shopkeepers for a public forum last Friday to discuss law and order in their area. 

Staff and employers from a number of businesses at the Betty Cuthbert shopping centre in Ermington expressed their anger at the growing rate of crime they face daily.

Some of the complaints included increases in vandalism, assaults and thefts. However, shopkeepers were most concerned at the lack of police in the area to tackle these growing problems.

Mr. Gallacher and Mr. Chedid were told by one store owner that calling Ermington Police Station, (located 150 metres from the centre), often resulted in being transferred to Granville or Rosehill Police Stations.

Many residents and shop owners complained of the poor police response time to their reports. All agreed that the problem was due to a lack of police staffing and resources in Ermington.

Mr. Gallacher was at Ermington at the request of Mr. Chedid who has been lobbying on behalf of residents for a greater police presence in the area.

“Ermington needs a fully operational and adequately manned Police Station,” Mr. Chedid said.

Mr. Gallacher, a former detective working close to the Ermington area, reminded residents that the station has not been fully operation since the Liberal Greiner State Government.

The Shadow Police Minister agreed in principle to Mr. Chedid’s plan and promised a further investigation of the matter.

There is currently drug dealing occurring in front of Woolworth’s on daily basis
There will additional 3000 people in new development down on the river in couple of years.
There is no current planing for the future.
They have abolished Safety House scheme 3 years ago.
They have abolished Neighbourhood watch from the community.