TROUBLESOME tenants will be banished from Wagga’s public housing estates as Family and Community Services (FACS) crack down on anti-social behaviour.
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The department will enforce a new three-strike policy against disruptive behaviour and a zero tolerance approach to drug and firearm offences.
As part of the operation, police and authorities will next week pay a visit to a number of Wagga properties to both help struggling residents and “deliver the message that unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated”.
Executive district director for FACS Murrumbidgee, Far West and Western NSW Jo Lawrence revealed the three-point plan stemmed from a spate of criminal activity in Tolland.
“We are starting in Wagga because of the absolute need for it,” she said.
“Most of our tenants are just wanting to live in the estates and get on with their lives, but a small percent of people don’t respect the system, their neighbours and the law.
“The strategies we are implementing across Tolland next week will be carried out all across the city.”
To deal with the complexities of civil neighbourhood disputes, FACS will also establish the Complex Case Panel (CCP), which will work with a range of third-parties to resolve issues.
“The ball is in their court,” she said.
“We will work to do whatever we can to support them but they have to respect the conditions or else they will face eviction.”
The trouble-plagued community proved to be too much for single mum Elizabeth Field, who was “driven out” of her Tolland home after break-ins, vandalism and abuse.
Detective Inspector Darren Cloake admitted there were a number of deep-seated social issues in parts of Tolland, but said most crimes stemmed from a small minority of troublesome families.
“The honest truth is that we do tend to a significant number of crimes in places like Raye Street, and other low socio-economical areas,” he said.
“These communities have a range of social issues that need fixing.”