Riot renews pleas

The call for a police station between Rockingham and Mandurah has reignited after a violent teenage riot left Singleton Community Centre trashed and its members terrified.

A Singleton Social Club member, who wished to remain anonymous, said the incident on January 24, had left her questioning the safety of her community.

The member said a crowd of about 25 teenagers approached the hall, on Laurie Stanford Reserve, at about 11pm, allegedly coming from a nearby house party.

She said the group became aggressive quickly, allegedly assaulted four males, smashed bottles and used bricks and bins to break through the centre’s windows and double glass doors.

“I was terrified... I thought I was dead, I thought they were going to kill me,” she said.

Warnbro MLA Paul Papalia said it was time the State Government listened to the calls made by the community.

“Residents have been calling for a police station for seven years,” he said.

“I cannot believe that you would not get a better response, and better presence and less likelihood of this sort of event if you had a police station halfway between Rockingham and Mandurah.”

Mr Papalia said he had made two speeches in Parliament on the issue last week.

Mandurah police Senior Sergeant Dean Snashall said eight police vehicles attended the community centre an hour after attending a noise complaint and people fighting at a house in Reilly Street Singleton.

Sen. Sgt Snashall said inquiries into several offences, including burglary, damage and assault and weapons charges, were ongoing.

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said he and the city’s acting chief executive had met with the Singleton Residents Association about investigating potential improvements to security at the hall.

Despite the community’s calls, Police Minister Liza Harvey said there were no plans to build a police station between Rockingham and Mandurah.