Bayside parents share their story to prevent youth violence after brutal bayside attacks

Traumatised by an attack on their son, a Brisbane couple is sharing their story to help save other innocent children from being violently attacked and filmed by youth gangs. WATCH THE VIDEO

Traumatised by a cowardly attack on their son, a Brisbane couple is sharing their story to help save other innocent children from being violently attacked by youth gangs.

Brett Hewat and partner Jenny’s son was one of two teens attacked in Wynnum in recent weeks by a group residents believe to be targeting children in the area for the past two years.

They were so horrified by what happened, they started a Facebook group on April 15 for other parents to share information and their stories.

The group now has more than 550 members in just under a week.

Brett Hewat and his partner, Jenny, decided to take action after their child was attacked by a youth gang.

Mr Hewat said parents were scared and terrified “someone will get killed” if action is not taken on the youth violence they believe is a major concern on the bayside.

“I started this group after my son got assaulted on the train on Tuesday evening and the police did nothing,” he said.

“I’m over the Wynnum police turning a blind eye on all the behaviour around Wynnum, I’ll take the law into my own hands.

“I opened the group Friday evening, and mums and dads throughout Wynnum joined and stated the behaviour has been going on for at least two years and the police will not help.”

Images from a video capturing a violent attack on a train in Brisbane's bayside.

Mr Hewat said he believed the group would have a positive impact by sharing information about the attackers as well as giving support to other impacted families.

He also said there would be “repercussions” if any of the members of the group decided to harass his family again.

Another local man, who decided to start another Facebook to raise awareness for the issue, is organising a march in protest to the lack of action in Wynnum.

He said frustration was building within the community after several attacks over the school holidays, including a young girl’s head being punched and kicked in a street in Wynnum’s CBD.

Images from a video capturing a violent attack on a train in Brisbane's bayside.

“The anger and frustration bottled up inside of this wonderful community is now obvious,” he said.

“Ultimately these issues of violence are arising because of a fundamental systemic approach toward those who are causing the discord.

“The intervention if there is one at all, is most certainly not working.

“The awareness of violence has grown rapidly over the last few weeks … it was only a matter of time before a march in protest was going to happen.”

But a Queensland Police Service spokesman said they were actively working to prevent youth crime in the district.

“Detectives from the Wynnum Child Protection Investigation Unit have been actively investigating youth-related offences and are engaging with the community to detect and deter young offenders,” he said.

Other residents also called for local politicians to get involved.

“It is a huge concern for the community – not only are they targeting children in broad daylight with assaults and robberies – they have pulled knives in them at night asking for their belongings,” she said.

“They’re also targeting children’s homes in drive-bys throwing objects at houses, shouting abuse, some houses and cars have been damaged.

“Joan Pease should take this seriously, stop passing the buck to Wynnum Police who do not respond effectively.”

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta (LNP), also put blame on the Queensland Labor Government.

“It is beyond frustrating the Queensland Labor Government has created a revolving door for repeat youth offenders,” he said.

“I speak with our local police on a regular basis who are doing everything they can to tackle youth and gang crime which is just abhorrent on our community.

“I share the frustrations with local parents that not enough is being done to get youth crime under control. I applaud their efforts to come together and call on our State for tougher penalties and action.

“Until the Queensland Labor Government makes breach of bail an offence for young people, sadly we will not see a deterrent for this dangerous gang activity.”

State Member for Lytton, Joan Pease (ALP) said no instance of crime was acceptable.

“The government has introduced the strongest bail laws in the nation when it comes to recidivist youth offenders,” Ms Pease said.

“Police advise these laws are working, with more offenders being locked up more often and for longer”.

She said the Police Commissioner said 300 extra police officers would be deployed to the Brisbane Police Region, which includesWynnum.