"They walk in agitated and walk out high as a kite; drug taking has to stop,’’ North Richmond Village Centre management told the Gazette last week.
Discarded syringes and vandalism had been increasing at the centre toilets and carpark until head office decided to tackle the drug use head-on.
With dozens of complaints about the vandalism and syringes rolling in daily, the centre installed blue UV lights in the toilets last week to make it more difficult for injecting drug users to see their veins.
They also installed sharps containers in the hope that any persistent drug users might do the right thing with used syringes.
Manager Achilles (surname withheld) said there had been no complaints since the changes, and that while they may be confronting for some, it was the only option at the moment.
‘‘It’s currently on a trial basis and so far, luckily enough, the method is working,’’ Achilles said.
‘‘Finding syringes and damage in the toilets and centre has been an ongoing issue for years now. Something had to be done and unfortunately it’s the minority that ruin it for the majority.’’
The owners spent almost $60,000 last year fixing property damage.
Achilles said they had tried everything from locking the toilet doors to only allowing access to store owners.
Hopeful solution: Public toilets at North Richmond Village have been fitted with ultra violet lights to deter drug use. Picture: Geoff Jones
‘‘This isn’t something that we want to do but we are trying our hardest to make the village centre a family friendly environment,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s not fair for families to walk into the toilets and find used, dirty syringes. It’s dangerous and a health hazard if touched.’’
The installation of UV lights has stirred community debate but the owners and Achilles said they were open to alternative suggestions.
‘‘We are trying our best to work with Council, police and the community to properly deal with the problem,’’ Achilles said. ‘‘At this stage we are happy to try anything.’’
He said the busiest times for the toilets were when students finished school, between the hours of 3pm and 8pm.
To make a suggestion or voice concerns, call Achilles on 0414389873.
