Anti-crime group Cairns Crime Responders calls for ‘vigilance not vigilantes’ on zoom meeting

Don’t be a vigilante, has warned the convener of a Far North citizen’s anti-crime group in an online meeting, who has pitched a ‘hey neighbour’ buddy system to combat theft. Read about their plans.

Keeping people safe and employing a “hey neighbour” program were key themes discussed at a crisis meeting on how to combat youth crime in Cairns.

About 20 people logged into an online forum on Wednesday night chaired by crime-fighting advocate Paul Drabble on behalf of the group, called Cairns Crime Responders.

Composite of Paul Drabble and crime.

Mr Drabble said Cairns had to overcome its significant youth crime problem.

“We have a society (where) kids are doing (crime) and destroying stuff,” he said.

He said keeping residents safe also needed to be a priority.

“It’s about being vigilant not being a vigilante,” he said.

“We don't need to search for crime because it is coming to us – we need to keep ourselves safe.

“Perhaps we need to have a ‘hey neighbour’ buddy system for our most vulnerable.”

Anti-crime advocate Paul Drabble hosted a crime crisis meeting to discuss protection of the elderly and a citizens' force to assist police combat crime. Picture: Peter Carruthers

Cairns man Mike Friganiotis said his grandson had been robbed at White Rock.

“He was surrounded by five kids and had scissors pointed at his neck,” he said.

“He was intelligent and chose to hand over his phone rather than get stabbed.”

Dr Daniel Collins said he was concerned youngsters were being encouraged.

“I spoke to a family whose grandma was robbed at the ATM at Mt Sheridan Plaza,” he said.

“We have adults inciting kids to commit crimes.”

A police car patrols along the Cairns Esplanade dining precinct. Picture: Brendan Radke

Division 3 Cr Cathy Zeiger spoke about the need to change legislation.

“The police have their hands tied,” she said.

At Mr Drabble’s suggestion, Cr Zeiger agreed to talk to council about a “hey neighbour” program.

Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch secretary Shelley Tunney agreed with Mr Drabble about neighbours looking out for each other.

Cairns solicitor Euan Williams advised people to avoid conflict and not take risks.

“I think it went really well,” Mr Drabble said after the hour-long meeting.

“I feel very positive.”

Originally published as Anti-crime group Cairns Crime Responders calls for ‘vigilance not vigilantes’ on zoom meeting