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Oranga Tamariki is strengthening its work with rangatahi and says it recognises the impact youth offending is having on communities.
Anti-social teens have been abusing retailers in Palmerston North’s inner city and the ongoing issue has left many terrified of going to work.
Acting youth justice regional manager Sonia Wilson said the issue was not one that could be solved by a single agency.
“We are working across government and with local community groups to find solutions to youth crime and it is a priority for us.
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* Youth crime ‘an ongoing issue’ for Palmerston North retailers
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Libby Wilson/Stuff
Oranga Tamariki says youth offending is a priority.
“We work closely with police in Palmerston North and regularly meet with them.”
A man who works in the central business district, but was too afraid to be named, said he had been assaulted by the group on multiple occasions.
He’d had “countless” issues with the teens who had been causing trouble for more than three years.
“I have even been physically assaulted at least four times…and yes I contacted police.
“If the police try to follow up with them the next day they will go out of their way to find you and intimidate you for ‘snitching’.”
The teens had threatened him with hunting and kitchen knives and he said some wore body armour.
Warwick Smith/Stuff
Kmart now has a security guard on the front door.
“Some have started putting steel ball bearings in the BB guns the carry, which can actually pierce skin.
“I’ve simply had enough of actually being fearful of walking in the CBD knowing they can get away with what they do.”
Most were under the age of 18, he said.
“Every time they send a youth officer the kids sit there and nod, say they won’t do it again, and then 15 minutes later they are at it again.”
He had also complained to the police and Palmerston North City Council about the group getting onto the roofs of shops in The Square, including the old Highflyers building.
“But nothing ever gets done, or if it does, it only gets done after multiple incidents and months later or if something major happens like the fire in Highflyers.”
Stephen A’Court/Supplied
Retail NZ chief executive Greg Harford says violence towards retail staff is never OK and it can have a traumatic impact on those involved.
Wilson said Oranga Tamariki’s regional youth justice team was working to address the underlying reasons for the offending.
“In general, rangatahi who have active involvement with youth justice may be supported to attend programmes and activities to keep them engaged and occupied.
“Rangatahi need to see that there is an alternative pathway to crime, and our role, alongside iwi, communities and partner agencies, is to help them find a stable home life, purpose and hope for a better future.”
Retail NZ chief executive Greg Harford said violence towards retail staff was never OK.
He said landlords and the police needed to take the issue seriously as it was traumatic for the staff concerned.
“Retailers can be seen as an easy target, they are not in a position to fight back.
“It is absolutely horrific what we are seeing across the board in New Zealand.”
He said retailers deserved to go to work feeling safe and although using a fake gun might seem like a laugh to some, it could have a serious emotional impact on the victim.
“The reality is the other person doesn’t know it’s fake.
ROBERT KITCHIN/STUFF
Acting Prime Minister Grant Robertson and Minister for Justice Kiritapu Allan respond to National’s youth crime policy. (First published November 17, 2022)
“There is already a lot of concern in the community about violence.”
But a report from the Ministry of Justice, published in April, compared youth offending rates between 2011/12 and 2021/22, and found it had decreased by more than 60%.
It found the number of children and young people who offended seriously enough for a family group conference (FGC) or court action decreased by 55% and 59%, respectively.
Youth Court appearances decreased by 65%, and the number of children and young people remanded in custody decreased by 36%.
It said youth who offended often had complex needs, which contributed to their behaviour.
“In 2021/22, 92% of the children (10-13-years) and 88% of the young people (14-17) who were referred for an FGC had previously been the subject of a report of concern to Oranga Tamariki about their care and protection.”
The Plaza did not respond to requests for comment.
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