Derwent Valley mayor Michelle Dracoulis says groups of youths have been up to no good

A group of young people are traumatising local businesses, according to the mayor, who plans to meet police next week to discuss her ongoing concerns. Find out what is happening in this Tasmanian town.

Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis at New Norfolk. Picture: Chris Kidd

Groups of young people are assaulting, abusing and threatening staff and customers at several New Norfolk businesses, Derwent Valley mayor Michelle Dracoulis says.

As police step up patrols, she will meet officers next week to discuss her concerns about ongoing anti-social behaviour in the town and reports some businesses plan to close because of the intimidation.

“These young boys and girls are stealing, breaking stock, throwing things around, and intimidating business owners, staff and customers,” she said.

“Racial slurs and foul language are used loud and often, and some shop owners are now at the point they are anxious when they know the school day is over, and the kids will be headed to town.

“These young people have committed acts of violence, including punching, threatening with weapons and destroying property.

“Everybody deserves to feel safe at work, and it’s not OK that the choices of the few are negatively impacting the lives of the many.”

Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis at New Norfolk. Picture: Chris Kidd

Ms Dracoulis, who also plans to soon hold a forum for local businesses to share their experiences, said other young people at New Norfolk also were heavily impacted by the anti-social behaviour of their fellow youth.

“Those affected live with fear and anxiety, and a top concern flagged in recent feedback to council was that our youth would like to feel ‘safe’ in their hometown,” she said.

“I consider it my place to support our local business community and employees.

“I also believe that everyone has a right to do their shopping and conduct their business in a safe and comfortable environment.”

In a social media post Ms Dracoulis was taken to task for not talking to the young people and their families and urged to advocate for more social services to support families.

However, she said she had advocated for more services and herself had been homeless as a teenager spending several months living rough after leaving home because of family violence.

“My situation was tough but my poverty didn’t make me cruel and it didn’t make me hurt others for entertainment.

“It’s not OK to hurt other people.

“It’s not OK to trash their things. It’s never OK to diminish another human being’s life experience because you are bored or poor or high.”

Inspector Marco Ghedini of Bridgewater police said local police were continuing to proactively engage with businesses at New Norfolk, as well as the council.

He said police patrolled New Norfolk both day and at night to ensure the safety of the community.

“This was evident in the swift response to a recent incident where damage was caused to a local business, and police were on scene within minutes, identifying three suspects,” Insp Ghedini said.

“Police patrols of the New Norfolk area are continuing, and people should not be surprised to see high visibility operations taking place over the coming weeks.”

Insp Ghedini said police were committed to working collaboratively with communities, councils and local neighbourhood watch to further enhance community safety.