Arabic version: وولوورثس في داروين تكرر شارتها الموسيقية وسط مخاوف تتعلق بالسلامة

According to ABC News, Woolworths has installed outdoor speakers at its Darwin city store that play the 20-second Fresh Food People jingle on repeat in an effort to discourage loitering and anti-social behaviour.

The supermarket, near a major bus stop, residential apartments and a university campus, said the system was introduced earlier this month after the store reported 24 incidents of violent or aggressive behaviour this year. The jingle can be heard from across the street and at the nearby bus stop.

A Woolworths spokesperson said the company had received complaints from community members and staff about safety when entering and leaving the Darwin City store. The spokesperson said the music speaker system was intended to discourage people from loitering in the carpark and at the bus stop for extended periods. No other Woolworths store in Australia is using the tactic.

The City of Darwin said the music was being played from within Woolworths premises and that no speakers were on council-controlled public land. It said its capacity to intervene was limited because the store and associated car park were not owned or controlled by the council.

Charles Darwin University associate professor of architecture Mark Olweny described loud or repetitive music as “aggressive” or “defensive” architecture. He said it could work temporarily but might also affect customers and other people using the area, while those seeking shade or transport could eventually return. Northern Territory Police said the Darwin CBD and surrounding bus interchange receive regular patrols because of the large number of people moving through the location each day.