Reports of a rising disorderly conduct rate have led to the WA Police increasing patrols as a pro active measure to tackle disorderly conduct.
A massive crackdown has been launched by the police on teenagers alleged to be terrorizing the suburbs of Perth as the number of cases of assaults, car stealing, robberies and property damages has significantly increased in the area.
The initiative includes a visible police presence in hot spots jointly managed police and local council and transit police patrols and a concentration of police efforts on bail support for young repeat offenders.
There is also collaboration between police and schools, youth and child protection bodies to identify young people likely to offend.
The residents in the suburbs that have been affected have reported that there exists a fear factor because of the presence of groups of youths roaming the shopping strips as well as the residential neighborhoods at night.
The business owners have reported that the employees have been intimidated as well as the customers having been scared away.
The parents have reported that the children have been afraid to travel through the public transport system after dark.
High ranking police officials also emphasized the fact that the majority of youths are not involved in any form of crime but are responsible for the majority of serious offenses.
These youths are being specifically targeted by the police based on intelligence led policing, checks on curfews as well as bail conditions.
There have been concerns expressed by police behind the scenes of a revolving door for these repeat offenders, of which some have reoffended in a matter of days.
Community leaders believe that it will take more than enforcement to resolve the issue which includes issues such as housing and school disengagement.
Early intervention and diversionary initiatives, youth hubs as well as police efforts were highlighted by the ministers.
That said, changes to bail or the sentencing system will necessarily involve the parliament.
Opposition politicians are demanding more severe punishments for violence related crimes and more support for victims who have lost confidence as a result of such incidents.
They also want more data on trends related to youth offending rates, especially in outer suburbs with high population growth rates.
The local authorities are also getting involved in the fight with some of them improving lighting, community patrols and CCTV cameras.
Public transport bodies have also improved security along major routes in the evening peak hours based on commuter complaints.
For the police on the front lines the priority is to restore a sense of safety. “Additional resource will be maintained over the summer period,” says Chief Constable Jon Murphy.
This is because it is expected that more people will be out on warm nights
The challenge for policymakers generally is therefore one of ensuring that enforcement is achieved quickly, but also that prevention is a sustained process.
Already, the growth of Perth is causing strain on the system but handling youth crimes is quickly becoming a challenge for the coordination of law enforcement, the justice system, schools and social institutions.
Success for those living in the affected areas would therefore depend on whether the crackdown achieves enduring peace.
