Fear worse than reality in Redfern

Last week, three escaped prisoners were captured in an operation in Redfern involving dozens of police and massive media attention. The escape followed a string of crimes in the area including a drive-by shooting that left some locals feeling unsafe.

``There has been an increase in bag snatches and assaults in the area, Lawson St.’’ resident Manford Rossgotter said.

``I’m not very happy with the police and dont think they are paying enough attention.’’

Redfern police commander Luke Freudenstein said there had been a reduction in robberies and assaults in the suburb in recent months.

``That drive-by was the first in a considerable amount of time,’’ Commander Freudenstein said.

``We have daily operations in Waterloo and The Block area. We have undercover operations in the same area and we have drug dog operations.’’

Geoff Turnbull from community group REDWatch agreed there was a inaccurate perception of Redfern as a dangerous suburb.

``You have two or three things that happen and it can cement a perception that Redfern is a dangerous place with crime,’’ he said.

According to Mr Turnbull, a community safety plan involving police, Sydney Council, community groups and the Redfern-Waterloo Authority was needed to address issues like perception and community building.

Source: http://sydney-central.whereilive.com.au/news/story/fear-worse-than-reality-in-redfern/