‘These kids want the badge of honour to go to Don Dale’: Maningrida begging for help to address youth crime

MANINGRIDA leaders are pleading for a greater police presence in the community to overcome an “out of control” youth crime crisis

Young thieves stole and wrote off three ranger vehicles from Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation in one night. Picture: Supplied

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MANINGRIDA leaders are pleading for a greater police presence in the community to overcome an “out of control” youth crime crisis.

West Arnhem mayor Matthew Ryan said Maningrida was at breaking point, with residents now leaving town due to crime.

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Within a span of just three months, young thieves in town cost Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation over $1 million in damages.

Mr Ryan said the recent crime wave had been driven by a group of young boys who had “no respect for local elders”.

“I’m worried the younger kids will see them, and it will have a ripple effect,” he said.

“That’s why I’ve been urging the government to help us with additional Territory Families staff and police, but we’re still waiting.

“The town’s only multipurpose hall where kids used to use has been condemned unsafe. We need help.”

Bawinanga chief executive Ingrid Stonhill said she agreed Maningrida was in desperate need of a greater police presence and Territory Families support.

Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation ranger vehicles that were stolen and written off. Picture: Supplied

“I have sat down and had restorative justice processes with these kids, and they want the badge of honour to go to Don Dale,” she said.

“They think they’re gangsters. We’ve recorded over 40 incidents since November. We had three ranger vehicles written off in one night. They broke into the art centre, which I thought was kind of sacrosanct for Maningrida.”

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NT Police have identified and arrested about 20 youths for a range of offences in Maningrida since January 1.

A Territory Families spokesman said they have an office in Maningrida with a team leader and four staff at the Women’s Safe House.

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