Cops and council fed up with nuisance behaviour …

By Melissa Meehan
TROUBLEMAKING teens causing trouble in Pakenham parks will soon have to think twice, after police and council officers have put them on notice.
The Cardinia Shire Council and Pakenham police are working together to curb antisocial behaviour in the town after claims of young people causing drama in the shire’s reserves.
Pakenham resident Lisa Willems contacted the Gazette because she was “tired of calls to police being ignored”.
“It happens almost every weekend, young kids running crazy in the park opposite the Public Hall and Skate Park,” she said.
“It’s becoming a nuisance.”
Pakenham Senior Sergeant Alan McCarthy said bringing an end to unsocial behaviour was an important issue in the community.
“I would encourage residents to contact 000,” he said.
He said both police and the council were working together to curb the problem, but relied on members of the public to share information.
“We have regular tasking meetings with the shire and issues like the skate park, community safety and antisocial behaviour all tie into that,” he said.
“But we need members of the public to give us the information that we can base our patrols on.”
Cardinia spokesman Paul Dunlop said that the council was aware of the youth issues at P.B. Ronald Reserve and had advised Pakenham police of the issue.
“It is also the responsibility of parents to ensure they know their children’s whereabouts and can vouch for their behaviour and safety,” he said.
He said the council was committed to providing positive opportunities for young people in the shire.
Anyone with information on antisocial behaviour in Pakenham is asked to contact 1800 333 000.