Fearful Moonah workers want police protection from teenage gang

Amid fears of teen gangs terrorising businesses in Hobart’s northern suburbs, police say they can’t tackle the issue alone. Here’s how the community can help.

Youth crime can’t be addressed by police alone, the Southern District Commander says.

On Monday, police confirmed they arrested a 13-year-old girl following an alleged assault that occurred on Glenorchy’s Main Road four days prior.

That comes as workers and businesses in neighbouring Moonah spoke out on their fears of teenage gangs terrorising the suburb’s shopping strip.

Commander Jason Elmer at Elizabeth Street Mall, Hobart.

Speaking to The Mercury on Monday, Southern District Commander Jason Elmer said high visibility patrols were regularly conducted in the region’s key shopping and business precincts because “everyone deserves to feel safe at home, out in public and in their workplaces”.

“When people (including youths) are engaging in anti-social and illegal activities police actively respond, and when authorised by law, arrest and charge offenders,” he said.

He said youth offending was not something that could be addressed by the police force alone.

“We are continuing to work with other stakeholders to keep our communities safe,” Commander Elmer said.

He urged anyone who witnessed anti-social behaviour to report it to police on 131 or triple-0 in an emergency.

More broadly, Commander Elmer said police were on the front foot in seeking out chances for the diversion and rehabilitation of young offenders.

“ … because we know early intervention is particularly beneficial in preventing crime,” he said.

“Our statewide Youth Crime Intervention Units engage directly with those young people, actively seeking opportunities for diversion or rehabilitation.”

‘Untouchable’: Workers’ fears over Moonah teenage gang

Moonah workers and traders are demanding a greater police presence with one office worker saying she was so fearful of a gang of teenagers she asked for a police escort to her car.

Police have increased foot patrols in the area as concerns continue about the gang with recent video footage showing a teenager spraying a shop owner with a can which he later ignites.

The office worker and a shop manager, who has worked at one business for 15 years, say they are so scared they both wear duress alarms which they have activated.

A group spoke to the Mercury on condition of anonymity because they fear retribution for speaking out about what they say are ongoing assaults, abuse, including racial taunts, thefts and anti-social behaviour.

Newsagent Alan Yu wants police to have a more visible presence in the Main Rd.

“We need a police car to be here after 3 o’clock as a deterrent for these kids,” he said.

“In the Elizabeth Mall in the city there is a police car and I am sure it has helped there.

“The girls who work here are all terrified, they are all anxious.”

Mr Yu said one of his female workers was so scared she had decided to leave and other staff had been harassed and followed after work.

“She has quit after two years because she cannot put up with it anymore,” he said.

“Everyone is scared and there’s nothing we can do to make it safer for them.”

Businesses and staff in Moonah have been targeted in a spree of youth crime. Picture: Linda Higginson

A Tasmania Police spokesperson said: “Increased foot patrols have occurred in the Moonah area this week, and police are continuing to work with council to address issues within the wider municipality.”

The office worker said windows had been smashed causing hundreds of dollars damage.

“I was worried walking to car so the police escorted me,” she said.

“They gather near the toilet block and are so intimidating.”

The shop manager said a group of up to six teenage girls and boys sometimes forced her to lock the front door of her shop.

“It’s terrible and getting worse, it is out of control,” she said.

“They’re untouchable.

“We’re scared of them and with the flame throwers that makes it even scarier.

“They abuse you, they bail you up inside the store.

“The shop next door was my saviour recently as they came to help me when these kids were inside and yelling and screaming at me.

“I just lock the door now and they bang on it.”

She said a stabbing at Harris Scarfe in 2022 had also put workers on high alert.

A restaurant owner said some customers who came in to eat at lunchtime were frightened of the teenagers and at night the gang increased in numbers which was more threatening.

“My staff are scared every day,” she said.

“When they stole drinks one of my staff had cordial poured over her face and was hit in the head with a bottle.

“They damaged our toilet which couldn’t be used for two weeks.

“Our customers want to help but they are worried about getting hurt.”