Taskforce to tackle city gangs

VICTORIA’S top cop Graham Ashton yesterday denied there was a gang crisis after the announcement of a new African-Australian community taskforce to work with police following weeks of violent behaviour from teen thugs who have terrorised Melbourne neighbourhoods.

Chief Commissioner Ashton addressed media for the first time since returning to work on Monday after taking six weeks’ sick leave.

“I don’t think it’s a crisis,” he said. “I wouldn’t describe it as a crisis. I think if you put it into context you’ve got a few hundred offenders engaging in offending in a city of 4½ million people.”

Mr Ashton emphasised the “street gang” term used was not associated with organised crime, such as bikie gangs.

“It’s much more loosely organised then many people might think. It’s not structured like a bikie gang or other gangs we have in Victoria,” he said.

Mr Ashton said “the bigger picture” was that Victoria remains a safe state.

“We’ve got some young people who are engaging in what looks like gang activity or gangrelated behaviours,” he said. “We’re not shying away from that but I think it’s important to keep it in perspective. I’ve heard people say Victoria isn’t a safe place to live. That’s complete and utter garbage.”

The taskforce will meet tomorrow for the first time.

Mr Ashton said the community taskforce will support police by providing information to authorities on emerging issues and hot spots.

“We know that the vast majority of African Australians in Victoria are decent, law abiding people,” he said.

“They are suffering as a result of the actions of a small cohort of young offenders. The African Australian Community can, and want to, play a role in providing solutions.”