Locals fear crime will worsen with less police officers

Locals in Perth’s south are worried anti-social behaviour will get worse if Mandurah Police Station loses officers.

Business owner Raylene Blith says Mandurah has had an issue for a while.

“Homeless which now unfortunately is becoming an issue everywhere you go, drugs that's always a drama as well,”” she said.

Dawesville MP Zak Kirkup says he's been told around 20-25 police are being moved to other districts as part of an operational restructure.

“People who've approached us and told us they're being transferred out of the area,” Mr Kirkup said.

“Pretty disturbing news to see more police leave the city when we actually need more coming here not leaving.”

As part of the changes, some of the local response team based in Mandurah will be redeployed across the southern suburbs.

“The community will see no difference, need not be concerned” Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Brown said.

Official police figures show crime rates in Mandurah are steady.

In the first three months of this year there were 55 burglaries reported, compared to 54 for the same period last year.

But drug offences are up with 95 compared to 63 in the first three months of last year.

While assaults decreased with 32 attacks compared to 53.

But local residents say they still don't feel safe and believe the only way to drive down crime in the area is to increase police patrols.