A meeting of residents, state and federal representatives, police and councillors brought together the community of Lennox Head as they step forward to look at dealing with crime in the area.
Break and enter and car theft appear to be primary targets as local Alison Vickery worked to bring together key parties to discuss the issue. Around 120 people including key stakeholders attended the December 9 meeting at the CWA Hall at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre. Inspector Scott Tanner, Federal Member Justine Elliot and Greens candidate Mandy Nolan were in attendance.
‘The meeting went extremely well,’ Ms Vickery told The Echo.
A spike in crime in Lennox Head in November according to the police and Ms Vickery summarised their report to the meeting stating that, ‘the main reason for the spike was due to “out-of-town” criminals being out of prison. They indicated that there were about six involved in the recent break-ins and that they were doing it for TikTok likes. However, the deeper issues were their home life – domestic violence, alcoholism, broken homes, and disengagement from schooling, including post Covid-19 disengagement.’
Communities across the region are being similarly impacted with reports from Lismore, Goonellabah, Ballina, Bangalow. The police and the Lismore neighbourhood watch group emphasised the importance of sensor lights. Also, dogs, CCTV, and car tracking devices to the meeting.
Following the meeting the Ballina Shire Council (BSC) has voted to ‘prioritise CCTV security cameras’ which has the support of both federal MP Justine Elliot and state member Tamara Smith.
Community together
There was a recent car theft in Megan Crescent where thieves broke in, stole the keys, and dumped the vehicle in Goonellabah and another vehicle stolen from Gibbons Street last night.
A key aspect of the meeting addressed the need for the community to step forward and implement the safety initiatives.
‘Since the meeting, several of you have messaged me with great ideas and initiatives,’ said Ms Vickery.
‘The Lennox Head Residents Association is committed to putting this onto the agenda for the next meeting so we can progress toward a community neighborhood watch-type initiative.
‘Police have praised the quick response of local neighbours and officers but share in the community’s frustration that repeat offenders are let off or released too quickly.’
Don’t leave out your keys
Locking up and not leaving your keys out were key directives from the police.
‘The police encourage us not to do this [leave out your car keys] as they steal cars to enable break-ins elsewhere. That is, we are contributing to the problem if we give them our keys,’ Ms Vickery said.
Diversion from criminal system
A key concern is reoffending by those who are apprehended for crimes and then are released Ms Vickery said.
‘They’re back every night, treating us like their shopping centre. The community and police are stepping up – where are the decision-makers when we need them most?’ said a concerned resident.
Ms Vickery said that at the meeting ‘there was a discussion of introducing a “BackTracks” program in the council area to help youth get back on track. I understand this has been very successful elsewhere.’
The BackTrack program is a holistic youth work, education, accommodation, training, employment and the wraparound support that helps divert young people from the criminal justice system.
According to the Sentencing Advisory Council, ‘Most people who receive diversion plans don’t reoffend: about one in five people who receive a diversion plan are sentenced for other offending at some stage in the next five years (21 per cent). In comparison, almost twice as many people who receive other court outcomes are sentenced for other offending in the next five years (40 per cent).’
Your experiences
A key action everyone can take is telling your local members of your experiences of crime including Justine Elliot, Mandy Nolan and Tamara Smith.
‘Regardless of your political views, these experiences are vital to leveraging funding for our town. Tell each and all of any federal candidates in the lead up to this election,’ said Ms Vickery.
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