Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson, is calling on the NSW Government to take urgent action as youth crime continues to spiral across regional communities including Forster, Taree, Red Head, Diamond Beach, Mount George, and Wingham.
“We are seeing a deeply concerning trend of break-ins, car thefts, and home invasions in our region,” Mrs Thompson said.
“Just last night, Red Head was targeted again, the second time in a week, with reports of offenders breaking into homes while residents were inside.”
Mrs Thompson is urging the Minns Labor Government to immediately allocate additional resources to regional police forces and implement legislative reforms to make sure repeat youth offenders are held accountable.
“Our police officers are doing their best, but they are being let down by a judicial system that allows repeat offenders to walk free.” Mrs Thompson said.
“We need stronger bail laws and harsher penalties to deter these criminals from reoffending. It’s obvious that the bail reforms from 12 months ago are not working.”
The alarming increase in crime is not unique to the Myall Lakes, with communities across regional NSW experiencing similar issues.
“The Minns Labor Government needs to take real action so that courts are obligated to impose hard-hitting sentences on serious repeat offenders, whatever their age.” Mrs Thompson said.
“People in Regional NSW deserve to feel safe in their own homes and on their streets. We have had enough.”
