SWAN Hill police have reminded community members not to take matters into their own hands and expressed concern over an anonymous suggestion that a “vigilante group” be formed.
A letter printed in a recent Nyah District Action Group newsletter, signed only “Concerned Citizen”, claimed the district was experiencing “a disturbing upsurge in anti-social behaviour”.
The letter described Nyah West’s new toilet block as a “prime target” of vandalism and destructive behaviour, and said witness statements had been given to police.
It said that “as the Swan Hill police are grossly undermanned, maybe time has arrived for a community vigilante group of caring, responsible people to patrol the streets”.
The letter claimed such a group would “bring this unwanted ‘wild, wild west’ behaviour to an immediate halt”.
However, Swan Hill police Senior-Sergeant Brad Bennett said vigilante action wasn’t a solution.
“The last thing that we want is for a community of vigilantes going around at taking matters into their own hands,” Sen-Sgt Bennett said.
“Then it would really become the Wild West and we have no control over everything.
“When it comes to the issues around the toilet block, we have already charged individuals with vandalism.
“We certainly have these matters under control and are intervening where it is necessary.
“The last thing we want is residents against residents.
“Those days are long gone, we never want to see people taking matters into their own hands, we don’t live in that kind of society any more.”
Sen-Sgt Bennett denied the claim Swan Hill police were understaffed and said local police attended the Nyah District every day.
“In relation to the allegations by this person, Swan Hill police are not grossly undermanned at all, and we are filling all shifts at all times,” he said.
“Our police have to go to Nyah daily, the same as they have to go to Lake Boga and Piangil. These are all places that we visit regularly as part of our area.
“If people have issues, rather than taking things to this sort of level, they need to come and speak to us in a respectful manner.
“We will be able to provide them information as to what we are doing, we will be able to address any of their issues or concerns.
“We can give them some assurance that the matters are not being swept under the carpet.”
