A 15-year-old from Bridgewater has been taken into custody following a weekend assault in Glenorchy, as the Premier pledges “immediate action” on escalating youth violence in Hobart’s northern suburbs.
Police charged the youth over Sunday’s assault, another attack in the Glenorchy CBD last week and possession of a dangerous article.
He has been detained to appear in court.
The incident on Sunday marked the third alleged major gang assault in the area in less than two weeks.
It prompted Premier Jeremy Rockliff to announce increased police patrols.
“We cannot have people too scared to go shopping,” Rockliff said yesterday.
“It’s not going to be tolerated.”
Rockliff will meet with Police Minister Felix Ellis and Police Commissioner Donna Adams today to discuss strategies for addressing the violence.
“We need safer communities and increased police presence is one of those actions which we are committing to. But there are other matters that we need to consider and all options are on the table,” the Premier said.
He specifically mentioned examining Queensland’s “Adult Crime, Adult Time” laws, which have reportedly resulted in a 32% drop in cases against children charged with serious offences in the three months since implementation.
Independent Elwick MLC Bec Thomas expressed outrage after hearing of Sunday’s attack.
“I have been on the phone to the Premier, Jeremy Rockliff this evening, to advise him and urge him to act to keep our community safe,” she said.
“I won’t stop jumping up and down about this until things change.”
In separate incidents, police say an 18-year-old from Hobart will be summonsed for retail shoplifting, while a 13-year-old was arrested for trespass and using abusive language toward a police officer.
Police thanked community members for their assistance in the investigations.
