CRIME ISSUE IS TOUGH BUT WE WON’T STOP

THE deaths of two boys in separate stolen car crashes are tragic events. One was a 14 year old, the other just 13. For many boys that age, they are tucked into bed nightly by loved ones and wake up in the morning to hopes and dreams limited only by their imaginations.

For Bradley Smith and Bailey Pini they had tougher circumstances than most to overcome and for them there will be no tomorrow.

A spotlight is being cast on their deaths and other concerning issues within the state care system as highlighted by the Cairns Post as part of our ongoing coverage of this escalating and ongoing youth crime problem.

We have attacked the issue from all angles to enforce change. Our community simply cannot continue on this path – things have to change.

We have reported on crimes as they’ve happened, politicians’ efforts or lack thereof, whistleblowers’ claims and inadequacies within the state system. But through all our coverage our focus has never wavered from victims – their stories matter as does finding solutions for the betterment of our community.

Reformed teen car thief Rob Salafia says the young crims wreaking havoc thrive on media attention and cautioned they were watching.

Let’s be clear. No teen crim cares about what’s in this newspaper – they’re stealing cars not newspapers and they’re certainly not paying to subscribe to see our online content.

They’re feeding off victims’ misery and sharing their deeds on social media – something entirely different to what journalists do.

We will continue to share stories, reveal failings and seek solutions.

To not cover this blight on the Far North is to allow politicians, policymakers and criminals to hide.

We won’t let that happen.

Jennifer Spilsbury Editor