USED needles have been found stuffed in letterboxes at a Malabar unit complex, frightening residents worried about the safety of their children.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said she was aware of syringes being found in letterboxes on three different occasions.

The most recent was on Tuesday when three needles were shoved in her social housing letterbox and scattered on the ground nearby.

“In the last couple of weeks we have seen more and more. I don’t want to pick them up,” she said.

“People need to be aware what is happening. I don’t want my nine year old son getting pricked.”

The needles have been dropped at 183 Bilga Cres in up to 20 different mailboxes.

“There are kids all around the place here. There is no need to drop used needles anywhere. There is a pregnant woman here and another woman going through radiotherapy, it’s scary. I was told to be careful, and when I checked my letterbox on Monday — there they were.”

media_camera Needles have been dumped out the front of a unit block in Malabar.

She said the NSW Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) had a duty of care, and were yet to offer any assistance after multiple complaints.

A police spokesman said residents could call police to dispose of needles if they weren’t able to.

NSW Department of Family and Community Services spokesperson said a tenant notified the department about a syringe found in a mailbox and on the grounds of a complex in Malabar.

“Police were notified and FACS sent contractors to remove the syringes that same day, in accordance with health and safety guidelines,” the spokesperson said.

“A wider inspection of the grounds was conducted and FACS will continue to visit the complex to ensure the safety of all residents.

media_camera Dumped needles spark concern among residents at Malabar. Picture: Daniel Aarons

“The department takes criminal activity in social housing very seriously, and urges anyone witnessing or subject to criminal behaviour to contact police immediately.”

Under the State Government’s new anti-social behaviour laws, a one strike policy now exists which will see a tenancy terminated if a tenant is found to have committed a serious criminal offence.

Any anti-social behaviour should be reported to police, and the Housing Contact Centre on 1300 468 743.