Contractors on Elcho Island were attacked with rocks when they attempted to stop a group of youths from stealing materials from their compound yesterday morning.

Galiwinku Police responded to a call for assistance from the workmen after the youths had used bolt cutters to gain access to the storage area.  The youths were allegedly demanding the workers hand over tins of paint.

A truck windscreen was smashed and rocks were thrown into the living quarters during the incident.

Remote Sergeant Josef Hart said the group were known volatile substance abusers and Police had been working very hard with senior community members and health workers to provide education and an alternate path.

Remote Sergeant Hart said the group are aged between ten and their mid-twenties.

“It is a very sad thing that these young people don’t care that this behaviour is incredibly dangerous and will ultimately be fatal if they continue down this path.”

“I urge all contractors in remote areas to be diligent in looking after the tools of their trade and storing volatile substances in a safe, secure place.”

“The offenders in this case have gained access to a locked compound by using tools stolen from previous worksites that were not properly secured.”

“Earlier this year about a dozen heavy duty bolt cutters were stolen from a worksite near town; to date we have only recovered three of them.”

“These offenders will think very little of doing thousands of dollars damage in order to get their hands on a twenty dollar tin of paint.” Remote Sergeant Hart added.