Four teenagers aged between just 13 and 16-years-old have been charged over a string of alleged offences across greater Hobart in the last month.
The group are accused of stealing, assaulting staff, damaging property and using abusive language towards police.
Constable Corrine Falls said the incidents occurred in Bridgewater, New Town and Glenorchy.
A 14-year-old boy is facing charges for stealing, common assault, make off without payment, destroy property, trespass, unlawful possession of property and bail offences.
Two 13-year-old girls are also facing a range of charges for unlawful possession of property, bail offences, possess stolen property, possess a controlled drug, trespass and using abusive language to police.
A 16-year-old boy was charged with stealing, common assault and bail offences.
“Tasmania Police is committed to … detecting and preventing anti-social and criminal behaviour with the aim of making our public spaces safer for everyone,” Falls said.
One of the teenagers was held in custody until a Hobart Youth Justice Court appearance today, while the others will appear in August.
The latest youth crime incident comes as new Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey vows to stamp out the ‘violent and anti-social’ behaviour, saying the young offenders are having a “terribly detrimental effect on people’s sense of safety”.
“We are seeing people getting verbally and physically assaulted. Shop owners and their employees are frightened for their physical safety,” she said.
“It’s something we should all be extremely concerned about.”
