By Leah Odgers
POLICE are set to increase patrols in the Hobsons Bay area these school holidays in a bid to curb property damage offences.
Hobsons Bay youth resource officer, Senior Constable Scott Sutton said with the school holidays and the warmer weather approaching, police will be increasing patrols around schools, residential areas and railway stations in a bid to deter criminal damage offences.
The crackdown follows recently released crime figures for 2006/07 that showed property damage offences had increased by 18 per cent in the year ending June, with a large number of offences found to be committed during the school holidays and involving young people.
Property damage includes offences such as breaking windows, graffiti, damaging cars, damaging letterboxes and fences.
Senior Constable Sutton said young people needed to be made aware of the consequences of their actions.
“If young people are apprehended committing property damage offences then they may face criminal charges and a possible conviction.
“They might then go through the rest of their lives with a criminal conviction,” Sen Const Sutton said.
“No one likes seeing graffiti and damaged property in their local area and we encourage people to work with us to combat this issue,” Snr Const Sutton said.
“Parents also need to be aware of what their children are up to on the holidays and keep an eye on where they are going and try and monitor their behaviour.
“School holidays are about having fun with your friends, not committing offences that impact on the community,” he said.
Seabrook councillor Renee Caruana said property damage is a community issue not just a police issue.
She said police patrols over the school holidays should not be perceived as a negative reflection on the council and community, but rather a way of council, community and police working together to ensure youth act positive in the community.
“Hobsons Bay Youth Services provide a range of activities for young people over the school holidays and enables parents to know what their children are up to,” she said.
Holiday activities are offered every school holidays with six activities on offer over the summer school holiday.
For more information phone Youth Services on 9932 3000.
