Circular Head mother lives in fear after home invasion by teens armed with machetes, chainsaw

A frightened Tasmanian mother whose home was invaded by a group of teenagers armed with machetes and a chainsaw says the shocking footage proves the disturbing level of youth violence in the state’s north. WATCH THE VIDEO.

A frightened Tasmanian mother whose home was invaded by a group of teenagers armed with machetes and a chainsaw says the shocking footage proves the disturbing level of youth violence in the state’s north.

The homeowner, a mother-of-two, said the group of unruly youths slashed through her front door with the chainsaw and also damaged her house, car and fence with their weapons.

Their movements were caught on film by security cameras at the house.

“It was scary, the fact that we were home and this was done. I live in fear if they come back what they will do,” she told the Mercury.

In another video shared by the woman, a group of teens are seen attacking two younger children inside a local takeaway store – where both boys were punched in the face.

One was thrown to the ground before a further series of blows were made to his head.

A teen, armed with a machete, damages a Circular Head home.

The woman said her children had been assaulted and bullied around Smithton, including one incident when her child ran into the local Woolworths to seek protection from a group of youths alleged to be carrying weapons.

Tasmania Police have confirmed they know of the “targeted incident” at the Smithton home and are actively investigating, but say no report has been made relating to the shop assault.

The woman said the terrifying ordeal had taken a toll on her family and left her children too scared to return to school for months.

Circular Head youths were caught in shocking security camera footage prowling around a home late at night, armed with machetes and a chainsaw. Picture: Supplied

“My husband went to their house to threaten the children bullying my kids – he was carrying a chainsaw and knows he did the wrong thing, calling police straight away,” she said.

“Police arrested him immediately and charged him with five counts of assault – yet these kids can abuse and hurt and terrorise people and nothing is done.”

Smithton resident Melissa Wells, an advocate for families facing similar youth violence, said the growing crime in Circular Head had to be addressed.

“This is taking over people’s lives and ruining families,” Ms Wells said.

“Anyone trying to help their neighbours is also targeted, and [they’re] harassing anyone and everyone, including the elderly.”

Ms Wells said a lack of police resources and youth mental health services were to blame.

“The Circular Head area often gets ignored, but now we don’t have police to answer calls for help or services to help obviously troubled youths,” she said.

“The consequences of these things are big. What’s next? Somebody is killed.”

Tasmania Police said it was aware of community concerns around “anti-social behaviour” and youth offending across the North-West.

A gang of teens attacked and assaulted two younger boys inside a takeaway shop. Picture: Supplied

Burnie Inspector Adrian Shadbolt said police were conducting “high visibility” patrols that focused on problem areas to “deter and detect offences”.

“Tasmania is a very safe place to live, but we know there are a small number of people who do the wrong thing in our communities,” he said.

Mr Shadbolt said police were “committed to intercepting youth offenders” and preventing this behaviour.

He said the community had a role to play in reporting offences.

“We need the community’s help to get the message to those people that choose to do the wrong thing. Anti-social and unlawful behaviours will not be tolerated. Everyone has the right to be safe in our community,” he said.

Tasmania Police said the public could report unlawful or anti-social behaviour by calling 131 444. Information can be provided anonymously by contacting crimestopperstas.com.au

Originally published as Circular Head mother lives in fear after home invasion by teens armed with machetes, chainsaw