Ashmont resident labels crime is 'the norm' after brawl

Police are investigating after tensions at a funeral held in Wagga on Friday afternoon escalated the following morning into a brawl involving about 90 people. 

Crews were called to an Ashmont address on Callaghan Street on Saturday morning to a large number of people engaged in a fight. 

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Spliet said one woman was injured and the operation, using specialist resources, will continue to investigate the incident. 

One Ashmont resident said violent incidents and thefts were "becoming the norm". 

"I was a bit shocked by the scale of it," she said.

"It was good to see the police out and about."

Daily life for those living in the neighbourhood has been severely impacted said the concerned local. 

"We don't even sit out on the front verandah now," she said. "After we had our car stolen, we got security systems and after they were delivered they were stolen from the front porch."

"People also assume that every person who lives in Ashmont is some drug-infused criminal, which is not true." 

Wayne Deaner, community leader of the Wagga Neighbourhood Watch, said members in the area have expressed fear about vocalising their concerns 

"They worry that if they say something then they could be the next ones to be targeted," he said. 

"It's frustrating that people can't even speak their mind about the issues they see in their suburb. I was really pleased with the police response to it and it shows they are trying to do as much as they can." 

Inspector Spliet said police are engaging the Department of Housing to see if they can assist, as those people living in those houses are responsible for the guests that they have and their actions. 

"No charges have been laid in relation to that matter as yet," he said. 

The injured woman was treated for hand wounds at Wagga Base Hospital.

"We're trying to get an idea in relation to the tensions and the causes, so we'll continue those activities and we have the resources and capabilities to be able to respond to any incidents that do occur down there," Inspector Spliet said. 

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