Workers at the Marketown Shopping Centre in Newcastle have expressed growing concerns over escalating incidents of antisocial behaviour, harassment, and violence. These reports come in the wake of a stabbing incident that took place in the Marketown West car park on the morning of March 12, 2023, which left an 18-year-old man hospitalized with injuries to his head and neck. As of Monday afternoon, the assailant had yet to be apprehended by authorities.
Many employees, such as Danielle Veness, who has worked at Just Cuts for six years, describe their experiences with antisocial behaviour as increasingly frequent. “I see it if not daily, at least every second day,” she stated, noting instances of individuals yelling or appearing under the influence of drugs. Veness recounted a situation where a violent altercation occurred inside the shop when two young people were followed by a third and began fighting. Another incident involved a staff member from Dan Murphy’s being chased by an aggressive customer. “I think it’s gotten worse,” she added, emphasizing her feelings of insecurity while at work.
Manager of Newcastle Barber, Khalil Sidi, corroborated these experiences, sharing that disruptive behaviour from intoxicated patrons has made some workers feel unsafe. “Sometimes drunk people walk around and start trouble,” he said. He also described instances of theft, including a break-in that resulted in an electric scooter being stolen and another incident involving a charity box.
The issue of safety in shopping centres is not just limited to Marketown. David Bliss, secretary of the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association Newcastle, noted that incidents of violence and abuse have been rising across the region. “The recent stabbing incident at Marketown Shopping Centre is alarming and highlights genuine concerns about safety for retail and fast-food workers and shoppers,” he stated. Bliss called for increased measures to prevent violent behaviour in public spaces.
The situation is a familiar one for Vivian Nguyen, who has owned Golden Nails at Marketown East for three years. She indicated that shoplifting and theft occur almost daily, and she was not surprised by the recent stabbing. “We all know something could happen,” Nguyen remarked, suggesting that enhanced powers for security personnel could help address the ongoing challenges.
A shop owner in Marketown West, who chose to remain anonymous, shared similar sentiments. They reported incidents of harassment, including teenagers throwing eggs and drink cans at staff. “I thought it happened only to me, but I heard it had happened to other shop owners as well,” they explained, reflecting a shared sense of vulnerability among workers.
While some employees acknowledged feeling relatively safe within the centre itself, others, like Tim Cooper from Darby Street Quality Meats, expressed concern over nighttime incidents. “I wouldn’t come here at night,” he said, noting that arguments and fights outside the shopping centre seem to increase during evening hours.
In response to the persistent issues, Region Group, the owners of Marketown, stated that they are actively collaborating with NSW Police to enhance safety measures following the recent violence. A spokesperson confirmed that a comprehensive security program is in place, featuring extensive CCTV coverage and a dedicated on-site security team. “We continue to review our security arrangements to maintain a safe and secure environment for customers, retail staff, and the wider community,” they said.
“Part of this strategy includes regular high-visibility patrols of the area and ongoing liaison with local community members, businesses and agencies to address concerns and keep the community safe,”
a spokesperson for NSW Police noted. They urged residents to report any suspicious activity and emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining safety.
As concerns over safety in shopping environments continue to grow, the collective voices of Marketown workers highlight a pressing need for action to address these escalating behaviours.
