Crime rate doubles on Railway Terrace after opening of Alice Springs youth hub in CBD

Crime has doubled on Railway Terrace since the Alice Springs youth hub was opened in the CBD last November, and locals say the relocation of the hub can’t come quick enough.

CRIME has doubled on Railway Terrace since the Alice Springs youth hub was opened in the CBD last November, says Country Liberal Party Member for Braitling Joshua Burgoyne.

Mr Burgoyne, who is the Shadow Minister for Territory Families, said the CLP obtained the concerning statistics through a formal parliamentary process in July.

The response revealed crime including assaults, break-ins, and property damage ballooned from 86 incidents in the nine months from November 1 2019, to 163 incidents in the same period for 2020-21. The statistics do not distinguish between crimes committed by youths and adults.

“This escalation in crime highlights the fact the hub is in the wrong location and supports findings from the government’s own report that the facility is encouraging youths to remain in the CBD, rather than its aim which was to ‘move young people away from the CBD’,” Mr Burgoyne said.

“The hub needs to be closed and necessary resources redirected to existing youth programs while the CBD hub is transitioned towards a town camp community centre model.

“[Minister for Territory Families Kate Worden] has already earmarked $500,000 for the establishment of youth drop in centres in three Alice Springs town camps – what’s the hold up?”

The hub currently operates 24 hours a day during school holidays and from Friday to Sunday during the term.

Railway Terrace resident Leisal MacDonald said the relocation of the hub away from the CBD couldn’t come soon enough.

Ms MacDonald, who’s lived in Alice Springs for two decades, said she is one of many residents on the street who do not feel safe as a result of the youth hub operating nearby.

Railway Terrace resident Leisal MacDonald says she no longer feels safe, despite getting a trained guard dog. Picture: Lee Robinson

“I had to go out and buy a trained security dog because I do not feel safe,” she said.

“Our cars are still constantly getting broken into. The crime rate has increased beyond belief … and our safety has diminished beyond belief.”

Ms MacDonald said a security gate was recently installed around her apartment complex, after attempted break-ins at three units in the complex in a single day.

Ms MacDonald said she supported a curfew being imposed for youths in the CBD.

“I don’t feel safe going downtown by myself, I wouldn’t catch public transport, and I don’t feel safe in my own home, even with a dog,” she said.

Minister for Territory Families Kate Worden promised the youth hub would no longer be operating 24 hours a day come the summer school holiday break.

“We are working with Tangentyere Council on the operating model for the December/January school holiday period, with Tangentyere leading the future program and operations,” she said.

“We will have more to say soon.”

She said the Territory government had invested heavily in additional resources to target and reduce crime in Alice Springs.

“Police do have an increased presence in Alice Springs with Strike Force Viper focused on property crime and keeping the Alice Springs community safe,” she said.

“Supporting Territory young people and their families is important to the Territory Labor government. We want to intervene early to stop crime and ensure young people have strong alternate paths.

“The Territory Labor government is investing in more immediate youth diversion options to keep our communities safe and get our young people back on the right path. Budget 2021-22 will see close to $10.8m dedicated towards on-ground youth diversion options designed to prevent youth offending and hold families to account.”

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Originally published as Crime rate doubles on Railway Terrace after opening of Alice Springs youth hub in CBD