WED 14 JAN 2015
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Trades & Services Tra Need help at your place this weekend? p.14
‘Enough is enough’ Metford residents speak out against petty crime plaguing the suburb MELISSAH COMBER
Speigelworld returns to Newcastle
Opposition Leader visits Maitland p.4
Taking on the world Local rugby star in Sevens squad p.19
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hey’re calling themselves the modern suburb with a small-town attitude. In less than a fortnight a Facebook group called ‘Metford Residents against Crime’ has attracted over 300 members who say they have had enough of petty crime in the neighbourhood. The group is the brainchild of Bill Hackney, who said the group is not about vigilante action, but merely fostering a sense of community amongst neighbours. “This is a group of people who care about their neighbourhood and want to have everyone else’s back,” Mr Hackney said. “It’s just that the community is fed up with the underage crime that’s here. “I decided that enough is enough and I want to make Metford a place that people want to be.” Group members have reported instances of house and car break-ins and expressed concerns about children wandering the streets late at night, but also acknowledged the work of police driving through the suburb. “I know we’re not the only suburb with these problems, and the police obviously can’t be here 24/7,” Mr Hackney said. “We want to work with the council, the police and the community.” Mr Hackney said that his next step is to organise both a formal community meeting with residents and relevant groups and an informal community
Metford residents, led by Bill Hackney, are fed up with petty crime day where people can meet their neighbours in a relaxed atmosphere. He said that the group has huge potential to raise community awareness.
“As a group we are stronger,” Mr Hackney said. “We just want to make Metford a better place.” A Maitland Police representative was not available for comment.
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