Anger at another Serco escape

Alex Massey, Phoebe Wearne and Angela Pownall The West Australian January 22, 2014, 4:47 am

Angry Northam residents say they do not feel safe after another escape from the Serco-staffed Yongah Hill immigration detention centre yesterday.

Four detainees broke out, sparking a big manhunt and calls for the "unscalable" perimeter fence to be upgraded.

Three were soon captured after climbing at least three fences about 3pm. The other man was found later.

It was the fourth breakout since August and two of the 14 escapees are still on the run.

In a statement through a spokesman, Immigration and Border Protection Minister Scott Morrison expressed strong dissatisfaction at the performance of the Yongah Hill centre.

He had asked the department to review detainee placements there to ensure those at a higher risk of absconding were in more secure facilities.

Northam Shire president Steven Pollard said the escapes proved people could climb the fences "relatively easily".

It seemed the fences could be scaled in a minute or less, which made it difficult for Serco staff to respond fast enough.

Mr Pollard said the main perimeter fence was meant to be "unscalable", which meant it had no hand holds or attachment points and the top leant inwards.

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Anger at another Serco escape