20/07/2026
Would like to get some opinions of how to deal with this situation. We often arrive in the morning to open the shop and are confronted with this sort of problem. Personal belongings, bedding paraphernalia and rubbish. We have asked the police on a number of occasions to do a patrol past the area as there is often evidence of alcohol and drug use and the surrounding area used as a toilet. We fill a wheelie bin every week with what is left scattered and broken. We speak to those involved when we can but most are visitors and move on only to be replaced by another bunch. We have security lights and cameras, and a dust bin in the area. But the problem remains. Disposing of rubbish is simple (if nauseating at times) but cleaning up after other people when there is a bin available is really frustrating on a regular basis. Contending with vomit, sputum, blood and body excrement is vile. Such is what a business owner in Katherine has to deal with. But what should we do about personal belongings like blankets ,or left in bags (or stolen Woolies trolleys)? Should we put them in the bin or put them neatly aside trusting that the owner will return and perhaps stay another night as “housekeeping “ has kindly cleaned up for them?
