Fremantle usually draws a crowd on a Friday night, but a group of local retailers claim the city is in crisis, with anti-social and criminal behaviour deterring visitors.

Store owners and staff say they are scared to go to work and are calling for urgent action so they can feel safe again.

Retailers said “people’s lives were at stake”, and the situation was “beyond a joke”.

“The fear that I feel when I arrive at work in Fremantle in the morning and when I leave to go home in the afternoon, I’ve never felt that fear,” retail manager Lu Lamekin said.

Camera Icon Rretail manager Lu Lamekin says she fears going to work. Credit: Today Tonight

“I’ve had my staff pretty close to being severely assaulted with weapons, fists, shop-lifting — you name it, we’ve seen it.”

Small business owner Courtney O’Connor said she did not feel safe, having witnessed people spitting on her staff, and had one woman urinate in her store.

“It’s hard because these things are happening every single day and I would like to come to work, get out of my car and walk to the store and feel safe,” she said.

Camera Icon Anti-social behaviour is out of control in Fremantle, according to business owners. Credit: Today Tonight

Fremantle retailers said the problem was out of control and killing trade.

“No one wants to come here anymore,” Ms Lamekin said.

Senior Sergeant Brad Warburton admitted there was some anti-social behaviour but did not think it was different to other metropolitan entertainment precincts.

He said there were several measures in place to protect the community, including the “Community Circle” concept, as well as a dedicated policing team who patrolled the CBD’s streets on foot, in cars and on bikes.

Officers used CCTV and reassessed their focus on a daily basis to combat issues that arise, Sen. Sgt Warburton said.

Camera Icon Business owners say crime is rife in Fremantle despite an extensive CCTV network. Credit: Today Tonight.

“We use everything in our arsonal to deal with the problems that are raised,” he said.

Local Member Simone McGurk said police resources would not be increased unless people reported criminal behaviour.