Kiama’s central business district is grappling with escalating vandalism, illegal dumping and antisocial behaviour, particularly around the Akuna Street car park adjacent to the vacant Kiama Independent building and the former Mitre 10 site.

Local business owners and residents are urging authorities to bolster security measures and increase police presence to curb the growing trend.

The Akuna Street area has become a magnet for youth loitering outside of business hours.

Two abandoned vehicles at the site have been heavily vandalised, with smashed windows and significant damage.

Piles of rubbish, including furniture and household items, continue to accumulate, exacerbating the problem.

A store employee from Edessa Arcade witnessed a group of teenagers, estimated to be around 15 years old, using bats to smash car windows at approximately 4 pm in the afternoon earlier this month.

The former Kiama Independent site is an eye-sore. Photo: The Bugle

She attempted to report the incident at the Kiama police station but found it unattended.

“It’s incredibly frustrating,” she said. “We need a consistent police presence in this area - it’s becoming a serious concern for everyone.”

Last Thursday, (24 July), a fire extinguisher was discharged inside Edessa Mall, leaving a mess that real estate staff and business owners cleaned up the next morning.

“This senseless behaviour disrupts our businesses and affects our livelihoods,” a shopkeeper remarked. “It’s a growing worry for the entire community.”

Residents near the Akuna Street car park report frequent gatherings of young people lighting small fires and congregating around e-bikes in the vicinity.

In response, police visited the site on Monday to assess the damage and recommended installing CCTV cameras as a deterrent.

They also revealed that the existing CCTV system on Terralong Street has been inoperative since recent thunderstorms, a matter now under review.

The importance of functional surveillance was underscored last November when CCTV footage helped apprehend culprits behind a robbery at Trinity Jewellery Store in Centrepoint Arcade.

Police have committed to increasing patrols in the Akuna Street precinct during afternoons and weekends to address the ongoing issues.

Edessa Arcade after last week's incident. Photo: The Bugle

Treena Allen, a representative from First National Coast & Country - the managing real estate agency for Edessa Arcade, welcomed the increased patrols but stressed the need for broader solutions.

“The police response is a positive step, but more action is needed,” she said. “We’re deeply concerned about the damage and disruption.

“We support any measures - whether it’s working CCTV, security patrols, or improved police reporting access - that will enhance safety and deter further incidents.”

Kiama Council clarified that the Akuna Street site, including the buildings and car park, is privately owned by Level 33.

Complaints about vandalism, rubbish, water leaks, or the site’s condition should be directed to the property owners. However, the Council has raised its own concerns with the owners following numerous community complaints.

It is also seeking funding to replace the Terralong Street CCTV system, installed in 2015 and damaged in recent storms, with a full upgrade planned.

Council advises reporting illegal dumping to the NSW Environment Protection Authority at 131 555 or via ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au and criminal activity directly to NSW Police.

Local businesses and residents hope this renewed focus will lead to coordinated action to prevent further deterioration of the situation.