Glenorchy City Mayor Sue Hickey has thanked Tasmania Police for a marked reduction in crime, including the number of offences and anti-social behaviours involving young people in the city.
The impacts of crime in any community can be significant, and Glenorchy City Council works closely with Tasmania Police to ensure that we are doing everything possible to discourage the small number of people who set out to do the wrong thing.
“People in Glenorchy have the right to feel safe in their city. As a city council, we are disappointed that recent adverse events have led to an incorrect perception of an increase in crime. We want people to be able to visit our CBD and conduct their business without concerns about their safety or security.
The Council continues to deliver programs to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, and we have no tolerance for poor behaviour,” she said.
Mayor Hickey said the results from Tasmania Police’s Taskforce Respect, launched in May, were particularly encouraging.
“There is no doubt that high-visibility policing is a significant deterrent for people looking to engage in anti-social behaviour, and we are strongly in favour of this model continuing in our community.”
As part of the Council’s ongoing collaboration with Tasmania Police, Crimestoppers and Neighbourhood Watch, a pop-up stall focusing on community safety will be held at Northgate Shopping Centre tomorrow, Thursday 10 July from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
“Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with Inspector Jason Klug from the Tasmania Police Glenorchy Branch and Council’s Safe City Lead, Ben Hughes,” she said
A Community Yarn on safety and community resilience will be held on Tuesday, 15 July from 5.30-6.30pm at the Claremont Guide Hall, Box Hill Road.
“This session is a chance for residents, community groups and businesses to raise any concerns or issues they may have about safety in their neighbourhood,” she said.
Mayor Hickey said the Council has a highly active youth engagement program with additional activities being delivered throughout the school holiday period.
“Seeing our youth engagement officers working directly with young people, whether its by having a game of street basketball or just being available for a quiet chat and understanding any issues they may be dealing with, is something I am particularly proud of as Mayor.
“Our young people are part of our community too, and they do not deserve to be tarnished by the same brush wielded by a minority of their peers who do the wrong thing.
“We recognise we need to take a tough stand on crime and deliver a safe and welcoming community, but part of that is also being able to support people who may need a little bit of a helping hand from time to time.”
Mayor Hickey said that council youth engagement staff would be running basketball sessions in the Glenorchy CBD every day of the school holidays, with other school holiday activities available at the Moonah Arts Centre, ranging from beatboxing workshops to spray painting art programs. These activities can be accessed by visiting the Moonah Arts Centre website – www.moonahartscentre.org.au