Police are continuing their targeted operations in Palmerston with more special operations in the area without notice or warning for potential offenders as a result of community and Police concerns about youth activity in Palmerston.
In addition, on Tuesday this week, Police delivered letters to residences in the Palmerston suburb of Farrer requesting that they take part in a personal consultation as part of a follow up door knock.
Last night, nine Police members from the Commanders Tactical Team, Youth Crime Unit and Palmerston Police Station with Neighbourhood Watch personally spoke with these residents as part of their proactive policing strategy.
Residents of approximately 20 houses were consulted, following a number of reports and continuous police involvement with one problem residence in the area.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rob Jordan who is in charge of this particular strategy said it is quite disappointing that one single residence can have such a negative and problematic impact on a suburb,
"We have received reports of fighting, drinking and drug taking at this one residence.
"One resident we consulted with in the area who I personally spoke with last night believes she has actually seen children as young as 12 years of age and possibly younger drinking alcohol and smoking drugs.
"One report was of a fight between two young girls with adults cheering them on and young children about 18-months-old observing.
"Other information gathered included reports of neighbouring residents being verbally abused, youths on their property and general anti-social behaviour." Det. S/Sergeant Jordan said.
While the Police were in the area conducting this door knock last night, a highly intoxicated12-year-old youth was apprehended in the same street in Farrer.
Police conveyed him home but there were no adults present to take responsibility for him so he had to be conveyed to Palmerston Police Station.
Police believe that he sourced the alcohol at the identified problem residence in Farrer and are currently investigating this further.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jordan reminds residents, not just in Palmerston but anywhere, if they witness this kind of behaviour going on, it must be reported to Police every time.
"Its concerning that had we not done this door knock last night, some of this detail which assists in our investigations, may never have been provided to Police.
"It is very difficult for us to follow up on dated information and sketchy descriptions especially if an incident involved a large group of youths where only some are offenders and others are bystanders.
"Call police every time, provide as much detail and descriptions as possible. The community are the eyes and ears but without their accounts being passed on to Police, we can't follow up on problems." Det S/Sergeant Jordan concluded.
This particular issue is subject to further investigation and follow up and updates will be provided in due course.
Police will continue to be proactive in policing operations in both Palmerston and the surrounding areas.
Anyone with information should phone police on 131 444.
Media contact:
Katie Fowden
8920 10281
