New Norfolk businesses air concerns about increasing levels of crime, vandalism and assaults in the Derwent Valley

REPORTS  of teenagers threatening staff and customers at several New Norfolk retailers prompted a recent meeting, overseen by Mayor Michelle Dracoulis, between business owners and police.

Tasmania Police assured attendees that the issues raised were not unique to New Norfolk, but similar in most places in Tasmania.

The senior officer responsible for the Derwent Valley, Inspector Marco Ghedini of the Bridgewater station, referred to the significant increase in random and frequent curfew checks on known offenders in both Bridgewater and New Norfolk.

He said this was occupying officers each evening for a significant part of their active time.

He also addressed the issue of noisy motorized bicycles, also a problem in the town, for which police are gaining increased enforcement powers.

Those powers, which also involve the required wearing of safety helmets, will be fully available by January 2025. Enforcement before then is less likely.    

An issue raised at the meeting was that the State Government is considering raising the age of criminal responsibility from the current 10 years to potentially 14 years.

Just last week, there was a report of an attempted robbery within the town involving a minor.

Cr Matt Hill referred to his work with young people locally and confirmed that most young people in the area are of good character and should not be grouped as a whole with a very small minority of repeat offenders.

In relation to the recent experience including abuse of some local business people, the inspector advised a rethinking about shop layouts and risk elements in their layouts.

Examples given included counters being jumped over to steal food and goods displayed outdoors on pavements. He suggested that making such elements less accessible to theft or access could reduce problems.

New Norfolk Neighbourhood Watch representatives are addressing the social media aspects, which they felt had recently increased the fear of crime.

Inspector Ghedini confirmed that "fear of crime" is usually much higher than actual crime.

He added that publicising individual issues or photographing or publicising minor offenders served to encourage further offences, as offenders promote themselves on social media.

Neighbourhood Watch encouraged people to join their group and help increase reporting and to share relevant intelligence between members. Local businessman Ray Williams outlined the importance of a local neighbourhood watch and had leaflets available at the meeting.

Inspector Ghedini noted he’s only recently taken up his role at Bridgewater and being made aware of issues in discussions with the Mayor.

He said he’s asked for police presence to be increased in New Norfolk, and that process has begun.