A global news website has descended on Tasmania to shine a light on a violent crime wave in Hobart’s northern suburbs, drawing international attention to the local ‘eshay’ gang problem.
Daily Mail Australia reporter Karleigh Smith visited Glenorchy, where she witnessed a disturbing public brawl between two middle-aged sisters outside the Glenorchy Central shopping centre on Monday afternoon.
The altercation, which left blood and hair scattered on the ground, took police around 20 minutes to respond to – according to Daily Mail.
“Welcome to Glenorchy. This kind of thing happens all the time,” one local told the visiting journalist.
The Daily Mail’s investigation focused on youth gangs following the “eshay” subculture – young people known for antisocial behaviour who reportedly carry weapons including knives, screwdrivers and even stun guns.
The offenders, some as young as 10, are reported to target the vulnerable – including elderly women, girls and shopkeepers.
One local worker revealed her fear of commuting home at night.
“I’ve been told that one of them had a stun gun, and another one had a hammer,” she told the publication.
Pulse last week reported on bus drivers in the Glenorchy mall being advised to hide their cash trays and let passengers on for free, following a string of coin theft incidents involving young people.
Business owners described ongoing vandalism, with Japanese restaurant owner Sam Fu reporting monthly window smashing costing $800 each time to repair.
“One of the kids was here being a nuisance, and the man punched him,” Fu recounted about a frustrated diner who retaliated against an eshay.
The international media attention comes as Tasmania Police launched Taskforce Respect to address concerns in the area.
As reported by Pulse last month, police say a group of just 57 repeat offenders were behind more than half of all youth crime in Tasmania last year.
“Our message to these people is simple, if you are offending in the Glenorchy area, then we will be looking out for you,” Inspector Jason Klug told Pulse at the time.
“Tasmania Police’s high-visibility foot patrols will continue in retail precincts to disrupt and reduce incidents of crime, with a particular focus on known and repeat offenders,” Inspector Klug said.
