Mount Isa addresses youth crime

The Facebook group ‘Mount Isa’s Working Together For A Greater Future’, formerly ‘Mount Isa’s Had Enough’ was set up three weeks ago by Suzy Rossow, who says it is “definitely not a vigilante group”.

“I started the group after seeing a countless number of (Facebook) comments about break-ins and the general crime rate increasing around town,” Suzy said.

“I started seeing comments from people wanting to take action into their own hands, their comments were verging on retaliation which would cause more harm.”

“So I thought, something’s got to be done, let’s do this the right way,” she said.

Reported crimes range from theft, breaking and entering, graffiti, vandalism, and burglary.

A single mum in the group even reported having her power disconnected, more than once, said Suzy.

"The people that are doing the crimes, they’re going to further extents like turning people’s power off, and targeting the elderly who can’t defend themselves,” she said.

A public meeting was held on Thursday at the Buff’s Club from 7pm, chaired by community member and foster parent, Craig Scriven.

Mr Scriven began the meeting by reiterating, on behalf of the group, the absence of vigilante intentions.

“If this is a vigilante group, I’m out the door. See ya later. That’s not what this is about,” Craig said.

Community members offered ideas on ways to curb the crime trend, such as curfews and youth programs.

At the end of the meeting it was decided a letter would be drafted and sent to any and all community groups and corporations that could have input. 

“It would be a formal letter stating what this meeting was about, and a formal invitation to a second meeting to try and find out what avenues they have in place, how we as a community can help them, and whether the ideas brought up at last night’s meeting could be put forward to them,” Suzy said.

On the list of organisations to invite included Mount Isa Police, PLOs, Superintendent Chris Hodgman, Mayor McCulloch and Mount Isa City Council, Rob and Bob Katter, Tony McGrady, MONA corporation, Injilinji, headspace, Young People Ahead, Lions, Rotary, Christian Outreach Centre, Father Mick Lowcock, PCYC,  Save the Children, and Building Better Communities.

A second meeting has been pencilled in for four weeks’ time, but no official date has been set. 

Mount Isa Police were not formally invited to the meeting, but Senior Sergeant Renee Hanrahan has shared some thoughts on the extent of the issue in Mount Isa, and how it is currently being addressed.

1. To what extent do we have a problem with youth crime in Mount Isa? 

A large amount of our policing resources are specifically tasked and allocated to address youth crime through targeted patrols. 

This has resulted in significant number of arrests being made with respects to property crime and recidivist youth offenders.

Subsequently several prolific youth offenders are in youth detention, and a number of others are subject to court imposed curfew conditions.    

2. Would Mount Isa Police have been interested in attending the meeting last night, if they had been invited?

We are always happy to consider any formal and personal invitations we receive.

3. The group insists they are not vigilante and are interested in consulting with many groups, including Police. What do you think is the most helpful thing a group like this could do?

We would encourage community members to become active members of Neighbourhood Watch Mount Isa, or join Crimestoppers.  

Get involved with policing – sign up to the Mount Isa District Police Blog for up to date information – www.mypolice.qld.gov.au/mountisa 

4. What work is currently being done to address the issue of disengaged youth on the streets at night, committing crimes? 

The Child Protection & Investigation Unit, together with other local police host a fortnightly touch football afternoon at Sunset to encourage positive youth interaction – with our next game Wednesday 2 August.  This is kindly supported by Dominos Mount Isa who generously provide pizza after the event. 

PCYC Mount Isa host “Chillin’ in the Park” at Minnie Davis Park every Thursday 4 to 6.30pm, which always attracts a large crowd of children who enjoy the afternoon playing sports, craft, games and a BBQ to finish. 

5. What insight would you give the community on possible resolutions, short-term or long-term?

Huge opportunity exists for parents and community organisations to work with police in addressing youth issues – as currently it is only the Emergency Services and Mount Isa Base Hospital who are providing after hours services to the Mount Isa community.

We remind residents, travellers and businesses to always lock and secure their property – both buildings and vehicles. 

There is also tremendous value in keeping a look out for each other – check on neighbours, particularly our elderly residents, and report any suspicious behaviour to Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.