Extra police target youth

THERE will be an increased police presence in the Glenorchy CBD to deter youth offending in the area, which police say has been on the rise.

In November last year, Glenorchy City Aldermen said the situation had escalated to “gang culture” in the suburb, with the council forced to fund security guards to help deter unsafe behaviour.

Because of the severity of incidents, the council voted to lobby for a greater police presence in the area.

The Police Association of Tasmania also raised concerns around why youths who were apprehended were choosing to go to court.

The organisation said court was considered an “easy option” for minors and it needed to be the most severe form of punishment.

Sergeant of the Glenorchy division Amanda Hall said police were aware of the increase in youth offending.

“Our strategy is aimed at increasing the police presence during key times, to deter would-be offenders,” she said.

“We saw this work effectively in the Rosny Bus Mall recently, with the police activity leading to significant reductions in anti-social behaviour, assaults, damage and graffiti.”

Sgt Hall said several youths had already been banned from the Glenorchy shopping precinct.

“When youth offenders are identified, police speak with their parents and guardians and work closely with the youth crime intervention unit to engage the young people in productive activities and prevent further offending,” she said.

“We urge community members who have information about anti-social behaviour or other offences being committed, or footage of such activity taking place, to share this with police.

The Mercury spoke with a shopkeeper last week who said brazen daylight thefts, threats and incidents of violence were not uncommon.

The shopkeeper spoke of one incident where his wife was “sucker punched” by youths.