Seniors say they cop daily abuse but situation under control according to government

MINISTER Eva Lawler denies her government has lost control of youth crime, despite a terrifying broad-daylight attack on a popular cafe which horrified onlookers and was caught on camera

Member for Drysdale Eva Lawler denied the government had lost control of youth crime despite a number of incidents across the city.

MEMBER for Drysdale Eva Lawler has denied the Government has lost control of youth crime, despite Wednesday’s broad-daylight attack on popular cafe Mosko’s Market horrifying onlookers and causing thousands of dollars worth of damage.

The incident was just the latest in an outrageous crime campaign from youths in Palmerston, but Ms Lawler said police operations were having a positive impact on crime.

“Everybody needs to continue to work hard around young people, we have operation Orion in Palmerston which has been getting results, to me that’s a positive way of working,” she said.

A Palmerston senior said she fears for her life everyday when catching the bus from home to the shops, seniors centre and around town.

MORE TOP NEWS

Red Centre signs milestone space deal with European company

Drivers asked to clear wrecked, ugly and abandoned cars

Huge croc charges crowd of people

The woman, who was too scared to be named, said Tuesday’s incident, when a man was belted over the head, was not isolated.

“We saw the fella sitting at the bus stop and had his head split open, we see it constantly,” she said. “The area at the moment is horrendous.

“It’s way out of control, to me there’s a massive problem everywhere and there’s a lot happening daily and it’s getting worse.”

She said after two close calls of being king-hit herself, it was time for the Government, police and the council to take a tougher stance.

Despite crime occurring in Goyder Square, Gray and Marlow Lagoon this week alone, Palmerston Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell said it was only touching a few hot spots.

Amazing NT News subscription offer: Only $1 for first 28 days

“Some communities within Palmerston that have some challenges but majority of Palmerston is working class or upper working class and don’t experience these issues across the municipality, it is just a few isolated areas,” she said.

“(At last ABS count) Palmerston increased its population by 800 residents (for the year), where the remainder of Darwin had actually decreased so Palmerston is still the choice of most families in the NT, to move to Palmerston to start raising their families.”