In their strongest move yet to stem crime in the suburb, senior police revealed they would be appealing to public housing bodies to have the tenancies of known troublemakers reviewed.

It’s a necessary move, according to Superintendent Clint Pheeney, who said Tuesday night’s mass brawl in Cossa St, in which his officers were pelted with projectiles, was the last straw.

“We had rocks and bricks thrown at police the other night. I’m not prepared to tolerate my officers being put in that situation all the time, so something’s got to happen,” he said.

“We’re identifying those persons involved in the affray (on Tuesday) who have the privilege of having public housing provided to them.

“We’ll be meeting with the Department of Housing and other groups with the view of those agencies reviewing the tenancy of those persons.

“In my view, those people that engage in this sort of behaviour forgo the privilege of having public housing provided to them.”

For the time being, Superintendent Pheeney said specialist operation support group officers would continue to patrol the area.

Extra units were called in to the city this week to assist with civilian unrest in the suburb.

Ironically, Superintendent Pheeney said there were no incidents of crime recorded in West Tamworth on Wednesday night.

“I think a lot of people who live in that area do live in fear and it’s up to us plus other government agencies to reduce the fear in the community. Police can’t do it alone.

“The actions of these people are obviously of a minority, but they’re affecting the vast majority of people living in that area who are good people.”