Crack-down on Apex Park
| 09 March 2010
Police have announced a crack-down on activity at a well-known beat in West Beach, following a campaign mounted by a local MP.
Member for West Torrens Tom Koutsantonis has caused controversy by sending a letter to all households in the electorate, decrying the “constant stream of lewd activity” and “vile behaviour” at the park - even including a form for people to note down the number plates of cars in the vicinity.
The language in the letter has worried Gay Men’s Health (GMH) who run outreach programs to beat users.
GMH’s David Vermeeren told blaze, “It isn’t so much the content of the letter…but rather the intemperate language that casts a range of unsubstantiated aspersions upon homosexual males.”
“This sort of language encourages the perpetration of violence against our communities and should be resisted,” he said.
Sturt Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer, Ric Schultz, confirmed there had been an increase in complaints about beat-users, “in particular during the daylight hours.”
He said there would be “increased attention” in the area, both day and night.
He also warned there had been reports of damage to cars using the car park and an unconfirmed report of a bashing in the area. A serious bashing took place in Apex Park in July last year.
He advised blaze readers to be aware of an increased police presence – both overt and covert – in the area “to prevent these offences occurring and also for the increased protection of innocent persons who may also be attending at the park.”
blaze understands the AIDS Council will be formulating a response to Koutsantonis’ letter in due course.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
