Small town fed up with delinquent juveniles

CHINCHILLA residents are fed up with juvenile offenders breaking into their homes and stealing their cars, but rather than complain, the town is taking action.

Led by Joel Adams, the community is drawing up a five-point petition that it will present to Queensland Government in coming weeks.

The social media group facilitating the petition has attracted more than 800 supporters who are sharing their thoughts on what is needed to reduce crime.

Those ideas will be condensed by way of a public vote that closes Sunday evening.

“I want to see a change in legislation that means criminals are charged and sentenced more appropriately,” Mr Adams said.

“We need accountability from parents and guardians.

“Relocation (of repeat offenders) is one thing people are talking about but it has to be a case-by-case thing.

“Some of these kids are victims of circumstance, but not all of them.”

Mr Adams started the petition about two weeks ago after thieves allegedly stole five cars in a few days.

“It was a bit of a shock,” he said.

“We feel like the community is under siege.”

In the past week he has met with local police and his State MP Colin Boyce.

But changing the law is not easy and Mr Adams is hoping the community will find support from further afield.

He said youth offending is statewide problem with thieves often stealing cars from places like Toowoomba and Hervey Bay and driving them across Queensland.