Community leaders in the West Australian town of Kununurra have met to discuss solutions to a youth crime wave. More than 20 juveniles have been arrested for stealing cars and driving recklessly over the past week.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch has sent more officers to Kununurra to ensure public safety. Community leaders want to see more housing, more staff and long-term support in a bid to reduce youth crime.
The call comes after a meeting on Tuesday where potential solutions were discussed after a spate of stolen vehicles and dangerous police pursuits in the town. The Kimberley town, 3,000km north of Perth, has been in the national spotlight due to more than 20 juveniles being arrested over the past week.
A video showing an alleged stolen vehicle pursuing a police car was posted online last week, and police have deployed extra officers to the north to battle almost-nightly youth offending. Speaking after the meeting, Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley president David Menzel said the volume of night activity and children 'endangering themselves' was frustrating.
Cr Menzel said agencies identified housing and retaining staff as issues to be addressed. 'The key thing was housing, as always, overcrowded and unsafe housing,' he said. Cr Menzel said there were a number of programs for young people but all had limited-term funding, with a dozen programs to expire on June 30 next year.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said that despite recent youth crime in Kununurra, programs were having a positive impact in other Kimberley towns. 'We are seeing huge reductions in Broome and Fitzroy Crossing, specifically because those programs are up and operating,' he said.
