Derwent Valley mayor Michelle Dracoulis has spoken of her shock after seeing a teenage girl allegedly threaten to stab a security guard during a shoplifting incident.
Dracoulis posted on social media that a girl, believed to be aged between 13 and 15, had moments earlier politely asked to reach past her for an item from a shelf at Chemist Warehouse in New Town around 5pm on Saturday.
“She was beautifully presented, her makeup was immaculate, and her manners were lovely,” she said.
Minutes later, Dracoulis said she saw the same girl and two friends “barging out of the store with armfuls of goods”.
When a security guard stepped in, the girl allegedly threatened to stab him if he didn’t move.
“The guard handled the situation with grace and composure while still trying to protect the store’s stock,” she said.
Dracoulis said the incident left her feeling “deeply ashamed” about youth behaviour in the community.
“In that moment, as I watched these young Tasmanians behave this way toward a man simply doing his job, I felt something l’ve not ever felt before,” she said.
“Ashamed at how our youth are choosing to behave. Ashamed by what this hard-working person experiences while doing his job. Ashamed that this is happening in our community.”
“What happened to our young people? Where are we losing them? And how do we find the way back?”
Tasmania Police confirmed they are investigating a retail theft involving up to three females at the location.
A spokesperson told Pulse that a report was provided by a security officer at the scene.
However, police said there was “no indication a weapon was involved” and that “no serious injuries” were reported.
“Several suspects have been identified and the matter is being investigated,” police said, adding no arrests have been made.
