A RESIDENT of Apollo Estate believes crime has escalated in the area since the break up of the Gordon Estate in West Dubbo in 2006.
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Brigette Fernando spoke to the Daily Liberal after a report aired by the SBS on Friday compared crime and social issues in the Apollo Estate to the former Gordon Estate, which is now Rosewood Grove.
The SBS report explored issues of arson, drugs and alcohol, truancy and claims of police harassment at the Apollo Estate by interviewing a resident and speaking to Dubbo MP Troy Grant.
Apollo Estate has been the home of Ms Fernando since she was 14 years old and she believed the issues of crime in the East Dubbo area were getting worse.
"We had problems up here back then but they weren't as bad," she said.
As Ms Fernando spoke to the Daily Liberal about her concerns for Apollo Estate a fight between two men broke out nearby.
The two shirtless men began throwing punches at each other in the middle of Myall Street as community members watched on and cars passed on either side of the major Dubbo road.
"That happens nearly once or twice a week," Ms Fernando said.
Crime began to worsen after residents of Gordon Estate were rehoused in Apollo Estate, according to Ms Fernando.
"Before they moved everyone over from West Dubbo there weren't any burnt houses or break-ins," she said.
"They have brought the problem over here and escalated the problem."
When asked what could calm crime in Apollo Estate Ms Fernando suggested engaging teenagers in the area with Apollo House.
"I think they really need some programs for the teenage kids," she said.
"I think they might see some change then."
She added that Apollo House was doing well to offer programs to younger children in the area but some teens still roamed the area drinking alcohol.
"It is usually the same kids doing it over and over," she said.