Millie Backway, 18, hopes the community’s message on the Facebook page “No more violence in Albury/Wodonga — We need more police and security” will spur the NSW Government to boost police numbers in the city.

“Ultimately they (the Government) have the final say,” she said.

“Even if police in Albury wanted to do more patrols, they only have the same numbers unless they’re allocated more.”

The teenager created the page in March after the end of St Patrick’s Day festivities ended with her being thrown to the ground and punched in the car park next to Albury’s Target store, after an argument with a group who made “inappropriate” comments to her and her friends.

“There should have been more security or police around,” Miss Backway said.

“There needs to be more police so there’s more patrols and there’s always someone looking.

“If people know there is someone watching they’re maybe less inclined ... to act violently.

“If people thought ‘if I hit this girl a police officer is going to see it’ then it would deter them.”

The Facebook page has since gathered more than 1300 members and Miss Backway wants more people to join and discuss the need for more patrols.

“Over the first few days I could not believe how many people joined,” Miss Backway said.

“I think it’s good for people to talk about it. Then people know it’s not just them thinking about it.

“If a large group of people are saying they want more police hopefully the Government will listen.”

Supt Gary Commins said Albury police appreciated the support they got from the public.

Miss Backway said she sustained soreness after the attack and had made a statement to police but she had decided not to pursue the matter further.

Last year member for Albury Greg Aplin delivered a petition to the State Government with 7000 residents calling for increased police numbers.