Report crimes to police, superintendent urges
“If you see a crime, report it to the cops, don’t go straight to social media,” the Northern Beaches top police officer has urged.
Superintendent John Duncan from the Northern Beaches Police Area Command was referring to the common practice of locals posting details online of young people engaging in illegal or anti-social behaviour.
Supt Duncan was speaking at a community safety forum on 21 July at Dee Why Surf Lifesaving Club, hosted by Wakehurst MP Michael Regan, and attended by local police and around 50 members of the public.
“People are less tolerant, more frustrated, quick to anger and they go to social media,” Supt Duncan said. “The vast majority of kids are very good, but (some) find it hard to know the right thing to do. Someone gets 1,000 likes or 500 comments (on socials) and they say, ‘I’m going to do that now.’”
Posting videos or images of young people behaving badly on socials ‘encouraged the behaviour,’ he said. “Watch your messaging on social media.”
Illegal e-bike use was prominent in the discussions, regarding speeding and riding without a helmet or bike lights. One resident commented that she had water balloons thrown at her and when confronted, the riders circled her and said, ‘no-one can touch us.’ Supt Duncan said chasing youths on e-bikes was ‘a challenge’ in a police vehicle and could also cause riders to fall and be injured.
Wakehurst MP Regan agreed that social media could alert parents to their child’s activities, prompting more monitoring, but it did not help police.
“Inflammatory posts are quickly fuelling fear and anger without helping police,” Mr Regan told PL. “In fact, it makes it even harder for police when it inspires copycats, legitimises a ‘named group’ or even breaches a victim’s privacy.
“The clear message is to report incidents to police first so they can investigate, identify patterns and respond appropriately.”
Police want specific details of how new e-bike legislation (seizing and crushing) would work, such as transporting and storing bikes, and who was paying for the process.
Crimes discussed at the forum also included the use of nitrous oxide (nangs), retail theft, and car theft to order (mostly our ‘western cousins’). Locals steal cars to joyride and dump the vehicles on the Northern Beaches.
Swarming is another trend, involving large groups of hooded youths overwhelming staff in retail and bottle shops and stealing goods.
New regulations come into effect in November regarding the sale of nitrous oxide to under 18s, purchase limits and restricted sale times.
Mr Regan said he will be collaborating with police to look at reforms that have meaningful outcomes for victims and offenders.
“I don’t think the current system is working and is failing both,” he said. “Actions need to have consequences.”
Domestic violence statistics were not good on the Beaches, although they are half the level of other local government areas. Scamming of older people had become a ‘boom industry and neighbour disputes were also common in the 50+ age bracket.
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby held a community forum in Avalon in June during which people discussed similar topics.
“Social media highlighted anti-social and criminal behaviour involving young people, including serious concerns about reckless e-bike riding, shoplifting and unsafe behaviour in public spaces,” said Ms Scruby following the forum.
“There is no single solution, but better outcomes are achieved when police, schools, parents, young people, businesses, council and the wider community work together.”
Ms Scruby is hosting forums in Narrabeen and Terrey Hills on 19 and 27 August. See jacquiscruby.com.au for details.
Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage in relation to an incident is urged to contact Dee Why Police Station on 02 9971 3399 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.