Tasmania Police: Schools tighten security amid youth crime spike worries
Schools and retail outlets across Hobart’s northern suburbs tightened security measures and police stepped up patrols as social media posts fuelled rumours of planned anti-social behaviour on Wednesday.
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Schools and retail outlets across Hobart’s northern suburbs tightened security measures and police stepped up patrols as social media posts fuelled rumours of planned anti-social behaviour on Wednesday.
Anonymous posters on Facebook circulated rumours of gang violence in the Glenorchy bus mall, planned midafternoon bashings or the potential riotous behaviour in shopping centres in the northern suburbs and even the Eastern Shore.
None proved true, although police maintained a high visibility presence, building on their existing response to a local school holiday spike in youth crime.
Campbell Street Primary School acting principal Stu Warren sent a note out to parents this afternoon to warn them of potential disruption.
“We are aware of social media posts around potential anti-social activities in and around Hobart today,” Mr Warren said.
“We have strategies in place and will take any necessary steps to ensure students feel safe throughout the school day.
“If your children typically walks home or catches public transport, we would encourage you to make alternative arrangements or to be in regular contact with your child/ren wherever possible.”
Claremont’s windermere primary school principal Jarrod Williams also warned parents of the heightened risk via social media.
It comes as police boost patrols and safety operations in the Glenorchy, Moonah and Claremont areas amid community concern about an increase in crime.
“There will be a significantly increased presence in those areas,” Tasmania Police said in a statement.
“We’re doing this to keep the community safe, and members of the public can help by reporting any incidents or information to police on 131 444 or Triple-Zero (000) if it’s an emergency.
“Police are committed to making sure our public spaces are safe for everyone to enjoy, and anti-social and illegal behaviour in our communities will not be tolerated.”
Police also appealed for any dashcam or CCTV or other footage that might aid their work.
The police operation comes as the state government considered tougher penalties for young people.
Police Association of Tasmania Acting President Nick Grubb said police were keen to see tougher laws.
“Right now, too often police feel like toothless tigers when it comes to dealing with young offenders,” he said.
“We cannot support any move to raise the age of criminal responsibility.
“The Police Association of Tasmania’s position, historically and currently, is that the age of criminal responsibility should not change.
“The major stakeholder in all of this is — and must always be — the public. The people of Tasmania deserve to feel safe in their homes, on their streets, and in their communities. The community will have an expectation that police attend jobs but the reality is they will be powerless to act if the age of criminal responsibility is raised.
“Police need stronger powers, not fewer. Victims deserve justice. The public must never be forgotten — they are the ones who trust the system to protect them.”
Interim Commissioner for Children and Young People Isabelle Crompton said research showed punitive responses to children’s harmful behaviour don’t work and could lead to less safe communities.
“Prevention, early intervention, and individualised therapeutic responses are key,” she said.
“I urge the government to hold the course on its nation-leading and contemporary commitments to prioritising and investing in addressing the underlying causes of youth offending.”
Ms Crompton said this is what was promised by the government through its groundbreaking whole-of-government and whole-of-community Youth Justice Blueprint and related Model of Care.
“This uniquely Tasmanian approach is founded in evidence, is rights-based, and progresses the recent Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations.
“Tasmania can lead the nation by doing things our own way, based on what we know works in our communities for our children.”
Ms Crompton also said a critical gap in the current Tasmanian service system was a lack of safe, child-centred community spaces for children to access.
“Many young people I speak with talk about needing safe places to spend time together in their communities.”
Originally published as Tasmania Police: Schools tighten security amid youth crime spike worries
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