Residents fearful as crime rate shoots up

POLICE say they are aware of a rise in youth crime in the New Norfolk area and are taking steps to prevent it amid growing community concern.

A resident, who did not wish to be named for fear of retribution, said the community was demanding answers from the council and police about what action would be taken.

“Because of the issues with some of the youths up in New Norfolk, it’s gotten to a point where the community doesn’t really feel safe anymore, they don’t feel like they have rights,” the resident said.

Inspector George Cretu, of the Bridgewater police division, which has responsibility for New Norfolk, said the public’s perception of a rise in youth crime was accurate.

“We’ve noticed a number of offences ranging from vandalism to property crime in and around New Norfolk in particular over the last three to six months,” Insp Cretu said.

There have been two public assaults in New Norfolk since July this year, down from four in the same period last year. There have been 20 instances of property damage, compared with seven last year, and eight home burglaries, up from three from July to October last year.

Insp Cretu said most property damage could be attributed to the youth cohort, aged from 13 to 19 years old. He said police were taking steps to combat the rise.

“We’ve revised our shift structures there, so that our start and finish times aren’t as predictable,” Insp Cretu said.

“People will see some highprofile patrols over the next month or so, particularly in the New Norfolk CBD, and we’re also working closely with the [New Norfolk high] school.”

Derwent Valley Mayor Martyn Evans said the council was lobbying the State Government for more police, and urged residents to do the same.