Commuter calls for more security

Peninsula commuter Ms Nada Andrijic has called on improved security at the temporary commuter car park behind Woy Woy Oval after her car was vandalised in two separate incidents.

Ms Andrijic said she had contacted Gosford Council and Woy Woy Police about the incident that occurred back in June but was disappointed at the response.

As a regular commuter to Sydney for work every weekday, Ms Andrijic said she expected there to be adequate security measures enforced while expansion works continued on the Woy Woy Commuter Car Park.

"My red car was scratched at the end of June with what appears to be a key, the entire length of the car on the driver's side," Ms Andrijic said.

"Then just last month my car was targeted once again and the boot was scratched the entire top with what appears to be a key.

"It just so happens that the second incident also occurred on a Tuesday and the last Tuesday of the month.

"I reported this incident to the Woy Woy Police at the end of August and I also sent an email to Brisbane Waters Secondary College asking them if they had held any sporting events on the last Tuesday of the month, in particular at the tennis courts nearby.

"I have also sent an email to Gosford Council, urging them to contact Woy Woy Police if they have been contacted by other people with same problem."

Ms Andrijic said she had also noticed a red car in the same car park with similar scratch marks on the boot and believed the culprit was targeting red coloured vehicles.

"I have come to conclusion that someone is very proud of their work; scratching other people's cars, in particular red ones, and the fact that it happened twice on my car it has to be the work of the same person," Ms Andrijic said.

"This is going to cost me lots of money in repairs and it doesn't look like they will stop, unless I get different colour car.

Ms Andrijic said she was disappointed with council's lack of response and had to contact them again directly to report the incident.

"I spoke to Ranger's coordinator Rod Giffin who informed that I was the only person so far to come forward with this type of complaint.

"He also informed me that council rangers did not patrol the temporary commuter car park as it was an unlimited hours' car park and the responsibility of local police.

"When I filed my report with the police, they told me that it was a council responsibility."

Ms Andrijic said she was only after answers and was annoyed not only at the person who defaced her car but also the authorities' lack of concern.

"This is really annoying, the fact that some silly person out there is getting a kick out of destroying someone else's property and getting away with it," Ms Andrijic said.

Gosford Council has told Peninsula News that neither Council nor the police were responsible for security at the carpark.

Council's manager of engineering services and investigations Mr John Cragg said that the Transport Construction Authority was responsible for security at the temporary commuter car park.

"At the time council considered the proposal for use of the temporary car park council wished to ensure that the facility would have an appropriate level of safety," Mr Cragg said.

"Accordingly, council resolved that the TCA be requested to enhance the safety of those using the commuter car park off Chambers Pl, Woy Woy, by the engagement of security guards to patrol the area after dark, during peak periods.

"This resolution was referred on to the TCA for its attention.

"The TCA confirmed in late July that the temporary commuter car park had been designed to maximise passive surveillance and to provide additional security lighting however no commitment was given to provide security guards.

"The TCA reported at that time that it was unaware of any security incidents since the temporary car park opened on April 19 however was happy to review any information forwarded and to continue to monitor the situation in consultation with council and the Local Police Command.

"In this regard any concerns the community may have should be reported to the TCA Construction Response Line at 1800 775 465."

Mr Cragg said council had not been notified of any incidences of vandalism or safety concerns at the commuter car park since it opened earlier this year.

Media statement, 9 Sep 2010 John Cragg, Gosford Council Email, 9 Sep 2009 Nada Andrijic, Umina