Perth café owners fight alone as anti-social chaos spreads
Business owners in Rivervale report increasing theft, violence and disorder. They say the state government has not helped.
Rivervale is just 10 minutes from Perth's city centre and is growing fast with new cafés and restaurants. Café owner Richie Harrop and others say growth is hurt by a rise in anti-social behaviour.
The area has many public housing units. CCTV footage shows street fights, threats against children, dirt bikes on footpaths, and car break-ins at night.
Staff report needles in bins and customers entering shops without permission. Harrop has filed complaints with the Department of Housing and Works and other agencies.
But departments passed him between them with no real response. The City of Belmont has given money for lighting and watching.
But business owners say the state has not helped. Harrop says: We're not anti-social housing; we're against anti-social abandonment.
- 10 minutes
- Distance to city centre
- Richie Harrop
- Cafe owner
- Many units in the area
- Public housing
Why it mattersSmall businesses risk closure if anti-social behaviour and lack of government help continue to grow.
AustraliaA Perth neighbourhood shows the tension between urban renewal and social support in Western Australia.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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