September 22, 2010
LAWLESSNESS and anti-social behaviour is rising in Port Lincoln's version of "The Bronx" and shopkeepers are scared to be in the stores alone, one claims.
Single mother of one, Cobi Smith, 23, who runs a takeaway store at Lincoln South, says she feared she and her mother would be seriously hurt when an irate female customer allegedly assaulted several people and smashed up equipment in the shop earlier this month.
She says the woman unleashed an unprovoked attack, allegedly smashing glass doors on two fridges and pushing over a bain-marie, which hit the hand of her mum, Liz Kalling, causing two fractures.
Police have charged a woman, 28, with aggravated assault and property damage.
Ms Smith said violence and drunkenness in what locals have dubbed "The Bronx" - a reference to the tough New York city neighbourhood - was commonplace.
In July, thugs robbed a deli opposite Ms Smith's takeaway shop on Mortlock Tce and last month men allegedly armed with knives hit the Marina Hotel. Police arrested and charged two men over the incident.
In February, Port Lincoln Hotel barred a man for 10 years after a "glassing" incident in the pub.
Port Lincoln police Superintendent Brad Flaherty said recorded crime had fallen almost 3 per cent in the past 12 months.
"There hasn't been a spike in crime but I can understand Ms Smith's concerns because all she sees is what's happening to her," Supt Flaherty said. "We'll talk with her and see if there's anything we can do to ease her concerns."
Ms Smith said she's "scared" and alarmed at the level of alcohol abuse.
"It's getting pretty bad with robberies and people coming in (the shop) drunk all the time," she said.
"It's been getting bad over the last two or three months and there's always alcohol involved. People just can't handle it.
"I would never open or close the shop by myself again."
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