The State Liberals have condemned the Weatherill Labor Government’s downgrade to police stations across metropolitan Adelaide that come into effect today.

Half of Adelaide’s metropolitan police stations have had their station opening hours downgraded to Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm – similar to a bank or post office hours.

“Local residents and business operators have the right to expect that if they need to go to their local police station after 5pm or on the weekend that someone will be there,” said State Liberal Leader Steven Marshall.

“Waiting for a patrol car to be alerted and dispatched, assuming it hasn’t been called to serve in another district, is completely unacceptable.

“Many people are restricted to when they can attend the police station during the day due to work commitments and many queries cannot be dealt with or reported online or over the phone.

“It is simply unbelievable that station hours in entertainment precincts, including Glenelg, Henley Beach and Norwood, have been cut back.

“It is critical that we have local police services operating during our busiest periods.

“Just as unbelievable is the fact that the Weatherill Labor Government has spent millions of dollars upgrading some of these stations, only for them to be either closed completely or have their hours cut back.

“Sadly it will be South Australians who will suffer from these latest Government budget cuts.”