Perth prison staff warning unheeded: union

A violent escape by two youths from a Perth juvenile detention centre comes months after prison officers warned of security problems at the scene of the break-out, the West Australian Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) says.

A construction worker was allegedly struck with a brick before the pair stole his utility and smashed through a roller door at the Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre in the southern suburb of Canning Vale on Thursday.

The two males, described as violent offenders, later stole a white Toyota Hilux, registration 1952BU, and are still on the run.

The incident happened at a building site at the prison, which is being expanded to cater for a merger with the nearby Rangeview Remand Centre in Murdoch.

In previous incidents, detainees had entered the building site and thrown loose bricks at staff and climbed onto a roof, according to the CPSU.

The CPSU said on Thursday it had warned authorities about security at the site.

“For months our members have been concerned Banksia Hill is being rushed to suit … the Rangeview (merger),” CPSU WA secretary Toni Walkington said.

“They have been saying security around the construction site is not adequate.

“The safety and security of everyone at the site including detainees and construction staff should never be compromised, but this proves it has been.”

WA Corrective Services Minister Terry Redmond has been contacted for comment.

One of the escapees is 17, described as dark-skinned, 170cm tall, of medium build and with brown hair.

The other is 18, with a dark complexion, 176cm tall and of slim build.

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