Spikes in shoplifting and youth crime prompt police patrol operation in Glenorchy

More police patrols have been announced in Hobart’s northern suburbs, but some businesses are concerned about long-term solutions to growing anti-social behaviour. What businesses have to say.

Tasmania Police will be conducting increased high visibility patrols at shopping precincts targeting shoplifting and anti-social behaviours in the lead up to the busy festive season. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

An increase in youth crime in Glenorchy paired with what Glenorchy City Council Mayor Sue Hickey called “senseless and very disrespectful” behaviour towards businesses is resulting in a rollout of more police patrols across Glenorchy, Moonah and Claremont over the silly season.

“I think they’re [business] just sick of it,” she said.

“They’re fed up with people that will show no respect, the stealing – it’s senseless a lot of it.

Announced on Wednesday, Operation Swipe will see high-visibility police foot patrols in Hobart’s northern suburbs to crackdown on growing shoplifting and anti-social behaviour expected to take a jump during the festive season.

Mayor Hickey said the joint operation between council and Tasmania Police stemmed from community and business engagement and statistics on crime in the area.

Sue Hickey mayor Glenorchy City Council with Inspector Jason Klug Tasmania Police. Tasmania Police will be conducting increased high visibility patrols at shopping precincts targeting shoplifting and anti-social behaviours in the lead up to the busy festive season. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“There was a wave of crime that was happening through the city, and we have been in negotiations with the state government, the police and with our community team too,” she said.

“So we’ve been visiting the shops, we’ve been increasing the CCTV footage and camera access to the police, but we are regularly in contact with the businesses and seeing what we can do to help.”

Part of the operation includes looking for known and recidivist offenders as well as mapping and collating information on the offenders.

Glenorchy Police Inspector Jason Klug said Operation Swipe was about ensuring Glenorchy was a “safe place” for everyone.

“We do know that there are a small percentage of people out there committing offences, committing many crimes,” he said.

“At this time of the year, with the increase of people out and about, we will be targeting that behaviour.

“We have a number of elements that are assisting us with this operation, from uniform police, our plainclothes police officers, Operation Saturate Taskforce members, our dog-handling units, community engagement, as well as the support of our local governments and business.”

Main Road outside Northgate at Glenorchy has been revamped. Picture: Kelvin Ball

One Moonah business manager, who wished to remain anonymous, said the extra police presence would deter offenders, but provided no answer for the long term.

“This is constant and we are all on edge,” they said.

“They taunt people and terrorise owners and there is nothing we can do.

“It’s well-known that some stores are targeted more than most, but it also affects the general public – who would want to come and shop in Main Road when they’ll be accosted by people?”

Owner of Cry Wolf boutique Suz Wiltshire said she had groups of youths yell and hit items outside her store, but said the “problem behaviour” occurs on Main Road.

“I’ve definitely seen and heard them around the area, but I think my shop is the wrong demographic for the offenders, who are typically younger,” she said.

“But I know people in the local business community who are being devastated by shoplifting, vandalism and awful behaviour and it hurts the whole community and business community too.

“Police will be great, but what about the deterrence?”

Originally published as Spikes in shoplifting and youth crime prompt police patrol operation in Glenorchy