Work call for kid crims Finocchiaro: Youths must learn to face consequences

KIDS who break into homes or vandalise property should be forced to perform community service to atone for their crimes, according to the CLP.

In an opinion piece penned for today’s Sunday Territorian, Deputy Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro argues young offenders are becoming more brazen, spurred on by an apparent lack of consequences.

“Consequences act as a strong deterrent so that wouldbe offenders think twice before they act out,” Ms Finocchiaro writes.

“Startlingly, we are even seeing offenders blatantly disregard CCTV by engaging with cameras without even covering their faces.

“A system where consequences are not apparent fails to teach offenders the fundamental – there will be a strong reaction from society to every criminal action.”

Ms Finocchiaro said property offenders should be put to work by painting over graffiti, gardening for seniors and pensioners, collecting rubbish, or helping to clean up the aftermath of their crimes.

She argues for the expansion of boot camps and the introduction of “escalating penalties for repeat offenders” and for parents or carers of youth offenders to be required to front up to court and pay restitution for their crimes of their children.

The Gunner Government’s “misguided singular focus on ‘generational change’” was responsible for sending the message to youth criminals they would face few real consequences for their behaviour, she says.

“Generational change is important, but Territorians also expect policies that make change today,” Ms Finocchiaro writes.

The most recent crime statistics from NT police show an increase in home and commercial break-ins and car thefts.

Katherine experienced a staggering 201.8 per cent increase in commercial crime in the year to February.

OPINION: P12