As he performed the meet and greet at Bowral, Mittagong, Robertson, Bundanoon, and even Kangaroo Valley police station, there was trouble brewing down the road at Moss Vale.

Last Tuesday a young disabled man claimed he had been attacked in a suspected attempted robbery (a 16-year-old has been charged over the incident) in broad daylight at Moss Vale on the eve of Mr Scipione’s Highlands tour.

It was the latest in a string of incidents that bussinesses have described as a mini crime wave.

Reports of assaults around Moss Vale train station, video evidence of gang violence, increased theft and drunkedness does not paint a pretty picture of the beautiful shire township.

For those who are so desperate to keep the city out of the Highlands, guess what, it’s happening right here on our doorstep too. Certainly not of the same magnitude, but there’s a strong hint that antisocial behaviour is on the rise.

It is vitally important to remember that it will take more than a concerted police effort to stop this recent spike in alcohol-fuelled trouble, and you can be assured that Wingecarribee Council has stood up and taken notice. They are already liaising with the relevant authorities to see what measures can be implemented to assist police.

But it will take a whole community effort to bring this scourge under control - from parents to business owners to everyone in the general public who shares a common thread of decency.

If you have any information that could help police in any way, phone them on 4862 9299, and write down the Crime Stoppers number - 1300 333 000 - at home, in the car and at the office.