Canberra mothers have come forward with alarming stories of their experiences in shopping centre parent rooms, detailing incidents of drug use, theft, and indecent exposure that have left them feeling unsafe and calling for improved security measures.
Drug Use and Theft in Parent Rooms
One mother, Sarah, described finding a used syringe in a parent room at a major shopping centre. 'I walked in with my toddler and saw a needle on the changing table. It was terrifying,' she said. Another mother, Emma, reported having her bag stolen while she was changing her baby. 'I turned my back for a second, and my wallet was gone,' she recounted.
Indecent Exposure Incidents
Several mothers reported instances of indecent exposure. 'A man walked into the parent room and started exposing himself while I was feeding my baby. I screamed, and he ran off,' said one mother, who wished to remain anonymous. According to the Canberra Times, these incidents are not isolated, with multiple women sharing similar stories on social media.
Calls for Better Security
Mothers are now urging shopping centre management to increase security, including installing CCTV cameras and having staff patrol the areas more frequently. 'We need to feel safe when we're taking care of our children,' said local mother and advocate, Jessica. 'These rooms should be a sanctuary, not a place where we have to watch our backs.'
According to a survey conducted by the Canberra Mums Group, 68% of respondents reported feeling unsafe in parent rooms at local shopping centres. The group is petitioning for better lighting, secure entry systems, and regular security checks.
Response from Shopping Centres
Canberra Centre management stated that they take safety seriously and are reviewing their security protocols. 'We are aware of the concerns and are working to enhance the safety of our parent rooms,' a spokesperson said. However, many mothers feel that more immediate action is needed. 'We can't wait for a tragedy to happen,' said Sarah. 'Our children's safety is at stake.'
