Coonabarabran community members have expressed concerns regarding brazen levels of crime throughout the town.

Due to a noticeable rise in crime over the past two years, families are starting to feel unsafe and unprotected in Coonabarabran.

Break and enters, multiple brawls, children carrying knives, stolen defibrillators – the list of alleged incidents goes on.

However, one of the biggest concerns reported by community members is the rate of youth crime and drugs.

The Coonabarabran Times recently spoke with two local families who felt compelled to share their experience of local crime and the ongoing impact it has had on their lives.

For the safety of the people involved, these families have chosen to remain anonymous.

 

Lack of support

After experiencing multiple counts of harassment and violence from young children and teenagers, one family said their child was now too afraid to leave their house.

They said they had received little support from police.

“I don’t think police understand the severity of the situation – my child is now suicidal after what they have gone through,” the parent said.

“I am petrified for my kids. There has been no word from police regarding my statements.

“Kids are ramping it up every week. When I told police they were carrying knives, they said they weren’t surprised, but what is being done?”

“These kids film every time they bash someone and post it online. Offenders are only getting a slap on the wrist by police.

“Kids are also threatening the elderly in Woolworths. I don’t feel safe.”

 

Gang mentality

Both families agreed that there had been a visible rise in violent incidents in Coonabarabran over the past two years, suggesting social media was shaping how young people engaged in violent behaviours and criminal activities.

Parents feel there is an alleged “gang mentality”, after witnessing groups of up to 20 teenagers and kids walking around at night.

These families are also concerned at the increasing number of drugs and used needles, even finding evidence of needles in their own backyards.

They are worried kids have easy access to hard drugs and are influenced by older community members.

Incidents where several cars were broken into throughout an evening, also have community members concerned.

Onlookers witnessed a brawl break out on George Street almost a month ago, the same evening and location where the break and enters occurred.

Over the past month, multiple community members have contacted the Coonabarabran Times regarding theft and property damage in the area.

The parents of those affected by youth violence suggested reporting incidents to Crimestoppers if they could not contact Coonabarabran Police Station.

Crimestoppers is an anonymous online reporting platform, used to inform investigations conducted by police and other law enforcement agencies.

The families both hope the community can rally together and raise awareness of the issues.

From stolen chess pieces and lights at Little Timor Plaza, to the missing defibrillator at the front of the Council offices, it is clear the local crime rates are boldening... so what’s being done?

 

Police response

The Coonabarabran Times contacted the Coonabarabran Police Station for comment on local crime incidents, however, struggled to gain contact as the office was repeatedly closed.

Police inspector and officer in charge for the northern sector, Jason Conolly said police staffing had been an issue across the board in Australia.

“If one section is short, we have utilised staff from elsewhere to assist. There are ongoing operations within the sector utilising various resources,” Insp. Conolly said.

“I believe in a very proactive response to addressing crime issues, police being out and visible in the communities.

“This, I believe, becomes much more important in smaller, rural communities.”

A spokesperson from NSW Police said officers would continue to work towards meeting Coonabarabran’s expectations of safety and address concerns.

They said Operation Regional Mongoose was launched in September last year throughout the western region.

The operation has resulted in 153 people, including 109 juveniles, charged with more than 1400 offences. Approximately 198 of those charges were for breaching bail.

“It is a high-visibility police operation to tackle serious crime committed predominately by young offenders. Additional police resources are enhancing operations across the region,” the spokesperson said.

“Western Region commander, assistant commissioner Rod Smith, is the corporate sponsor for youth and will work with partner agencies to provide diversionary programs for at-risk youth.”

The NSW Police spokesperson said they would continue to empower youth to make the right decisions, however, a sense of societal effort was encouraged.

The community can provide a sense of belonging and purpose to at-risk youth, in order to support their full potential.

Activities for youth, recommended by NSW Police included work, school, sport or community activities.

 

NSW Government reforms

In light of rising crime rates in the bush, the NSW Government has announced a $26.2 million package of reforms and initiatives to support community safety and wellbeing, specifically in regional NSW.

The package will focus on strengthening early intervention and prevention programs for young people.

The reforms recognise the increase in cases of offenders recording and posting their behaviour online and how the video engages others in similar criminal behaviour.

A new offence for “posting and boasting”, will be introduced into legislation, with an additional penalty of two years imprisonment for break and enters and motor vehicle theft shared online.

The legislative reforms also address the increase in rates of re-offence, through the Bail Act Amendment.

The State Government plans to invest $12.9 million to fund a range of state-wide regional crime prevention initiatives.

This includes the expansion of youth action meetings in nine police districts and the expansion of the Safe Aboriginal Youth Patrol Program.

At Moree, $13.4 million will be supplied as a targeted response to address crime in the area.

The reforms hope to lift the support for young people in disadvantaged communities.

The Government will also distribute a further $7.5 million in Justice Reinvestment grants.