Report Disorderly Conduct or Loitering - Perth Bylaws

Public Safety Western Australia 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

In Perth, Western Australia, reporting disorderly conduct or loitering helps keep public spaces safe and enforces city bylaws and state laws. This guide explains who enforces behaviour in public places in Perth, what powers and penalties may apply, how to report incidents to the City of Perth or WA Police, and what evidence or steps to take when making a complaint. It is written for residents, business owners and visitors and focuses on practical actions you can take now to report anti-social behaviour while identifying the official departments responsible for enforcement.

If behaviour is violent or threats are immediate, call WA Police on 000 right away.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of disorderly conduct or loitering in Perth is shared between WA Police for criminal public order matters and the City of Perth Rangers/By-law Enforcement for breaches of local laws and public space conditions. The City publishes its local laws and enforcement information; specific penalty items and dollar amounts are set out in those instruments or implementing notices.[1] For urgent criminal matters call WA Police or use the official reporting channels.[3]

  • Enforcer: WA Police for criminal offences, City of Perth Rangers or authorised officers for local-law breaches.
  • Fines: specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited City local laws page; consult the local laws or penalty schedule linked below for exact figures.[1]
  • Escalation: typical practice is warning, infringement notice (fine), then prosecution or court action for continuing offences; precise escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Appeals and review: infringement notices and prosecutions provide standard appeal routes to a court or tribunal; statutory time limits for lodging appeals are not specified on the cited City pages and may be set out on the notice or in the relevant legislation.
Keep a copy of any infringement notice and note the time limit for payment or appeal specified on that notice.

Applications & Forms

To report non-urgent disorderly conduct, the City of Perth offers an online "Report an issue" form and complaint pathways for by-law matters; use that official online reporting form for City matters and use WA Police reporting channels for criminal conduct.[2]

Non-monetary sanctions available under local laws may include compliance notices, orders to cease or leave an area, removal of belongings in public spaces, seizure of goods where authorised, and prosecution through the courts. For criminal public order offences WA Police may apply arrest, charges and court proceedings. Defences such as reasonable excuse or lawful purpose (for example a permit for authorised activity) depend on the specific local law or criminal provision and should be raised with the authority or legal adviser handling the matter.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Loitering or obstructing a public way - may result in warning, direction to move on, or an infringement notice under local law.
  • Intoxicated, noisy or abusive behaviour - if criminal in nature it is handled by WA Police; local officers may issue compliance directions.
  • Unauthorised stall, camping or possession of bulky items in public - may attract removal orders and fines under local laws.

Actions to report disorderly conduct in Perth

Follow these steps when making a report to the City or WA Police: collect safe evidence, note location/time, identify witnesses, and use the correct official reporting channel for the issue type.

Photograph or video only if it is safe and you are not interfering with emergency response.

FAQ

How do I report loitering or anti-social behaviour to the City of Perth?
The City of Perth accepts reports via its official online "Report an issue" form and by contacting By-law Enforcement; use the City reporting page for non-urgent local-law matters.[2]
When should I call WA Police instead of the City?
Call WA Police immediately for violent, threatening or urgent criminal conduct or when personal safety is at risk; non-criminal local-law breaches can be reported to the City.[3]
What penalties could apply for loitering or disorderly conduct?
Exact fines and penalty details are set out in the City of Perth local laws or in criminal legislation; specific amounts are not specified on the cited City local laws page and should be checked on the linked official documents.[1]

How-To

Step-by-step process to report disorderly conduct in Perth.

  1. Assess safety: if immediate danger, call 000 for police response.
  2. Record details: note time, exact location, descriptions of persons, and any witnesses.
  3. Gather evidence: take photos or video only if safe and lawful to do so.
  4. Use the City of Perth "Report an issue" form for non-urgent local-law matters or contact By-law Enforcement.[2]
  5. For criminal or violent incidents, report to WA Police via emergency or official reporting channels.[3]
  6. Follow up: keep reference numbers, pay or appeal any infringement within the time on the notice, or seek review information from the issuing agency.

Key Takeaways

  • Report urgent criminal conduct to WA Police immediately.
  • Use the City of Perth online reporting form for non-urgent local-law breaches.
  • Collect safe, lawful evidence and witness details to support complaints.

Help and Support / Resources

    Categories

    General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data