By Steph McNicol
ROMSEY resident William Nixon is not alone in his concern for commuity safety after he alleged a ‘gang’ of young people was ‘terrorising’ the town he calls home.
Mr Nixon said the group of about 15 to 20 teenagers had grown over several years, and the torment had increased.
The worried resident said a group of young people had been spotted trying to break into homes several times, verbally abusing people in public places, and participated in dangerous conduct on the roads.
“My main concerns are we’ve got a group of 10 to 15 youth growing over years, terrorising public, and they claim a certain part of Romsey as their territory,” Mr Nixon said.
“They have been spotted trying to break into houses and vandalising property. The primary school is directly across from the skatepark and Lions reserve, where I’ve picked up alcohol cans and been abused by whoever was there at the time.”
Mr Nixon said he felt as if the group was purposely targeting him.
“I’m part of the Macedon Ranges Running Club meeting at the Romsey skatepark where they predominantly spend time,” he said.
“I’ve had years of ongoing PTSD and severe anxiety and running is my recovery – a known recovery method – and I can’t even run anymore because my club is falling apart.”
Mr Nixon said he felt that a lack of police officers stationed in Romsey was an issue.
“They’re under-resourced, the name of the police is mud,” he said.
“Council has offered solutions and said they would put CCTV cameras up, but still nothing.
“It’s just a disgrace.”
A Macedon Ranges Shire Council spokesperson said council ‘shared the community’s frustration’ regarding the actions of the group of teenagers.
“Council is aware of anti-social behaviour and destruction of property which has occurred at Lions Park Reserve Romsey and Romsey Skate Park,” the spokesperson said.
“We share the community’s frustration with this small group of people whose negative actions are affecting the community and its facilities and spaces.
“Council takes community concerns seriously and adapts and responds to changing situations.
“At the skate park toilet block, gates were installed in order to lock and protect them from vandalism at night.”
The spokesperson said council had regular communication with Victoria Police.
“Council maintains CCTV cameras and willingly provides footage to Victoria Police,” the spokesperson said.
“Although CCTV signage is frequently targeted by vandals and removed, the cameras remain active. Council is in the process of installing more CCTV signage.”
The Review attempted to contact Romsey police but they did not respond by deadline.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious or illegal behaviour should contact police on triple zero, or submit a report at Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
