Tasmania crime crackdown at New Norfolk leads to 25 people charged with more than 40 offences

Police have charged 25 people with more than 40 charges in a crime hot spot and warned offenders that their area could be next.

Tasmania Police at a traffic sting in New Norfolk. Picture: Tasmania Police.

A crime crackdown on offenders at New Norfolk has led to 25 people being charged with more than 40 offences in the past week.

Tasmania Police says is launched Taskforce Saturate with the aim of catching repeat offenders.

The charges included stealing, breach of bail, fail to appear, minor drug offences, motor vehicle stealing, aggravated burglary, shoplifting, computer related fraud, assault, disqualified driving, unlicensed driving, speeding above 23km/h and unregistered motor vehicle.

Acting Inspector Richard Penney, of Bridgewater Division, said: “over the past week, Taskforce Saturate, in collaboration with Bridgewater Police, New Norfolk Police and Southern Traffic, have spent time in New Norfolk, targeting as many repeat offenders as possible.

“In this short period of time, these officers have charged 25 people with over 40 offences, issued numerous speeding infringements and defects and provided a significant policing presence in the area.”

The crackdown follows criticism by Derwent Valley Mayor and Labor MPs about crimes at New Norfolk. They called for New Norfolk police station to be manned around the clock.

Labor MP Jen Butler, Labor leader Rebecca White and Derwent Valley mayor Michelle Dracoulis speak to the media at New Norfolk Police Station on Monday, January 22, 2024.

Inspector Penney said police remained committed to reducing recidivism and increasing community safety throughout the Southern District.

“Taskforce Saturate and southern traffic in collaboration with local police, could be in your area targeting these individuals next,” he said

Police encouraged people to report illegal or anti-social behaviour by phoning police on 131 444 or triple-0 (000) in an emergency.

Information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au (you can stay anonymous).