Crime spike in Bourke

Officer in Charge of the Bourke Police Station, Inspector Andrew Hurst Photo: TWH

Bourke Police are using every strategy possible to deal with a group of young offenders causing havoc in the local community.

Since school started, police have dealt with increased break-ins, malicious damage, trespass and anti-social behaviour from a core group of children, mostly with no previous track record of offending.

Most are children, not yet in their teens, but have been reported climbing on the roofs of businesses in the main street and the Wharf Precinct, and breaking into cars and property.

Break-ins the past week include a car repair business with the front door forced open, and the Bourke Men’s Shed was broken into with a quad bike and drinks stolen.

Some business operators say they are fearful when closing after hours because of the presence of young offenders.

The spate of crimes prompted police to act quickly to protect the community and steer the children away from a downward path through the juvenile justice system, according to Officer in Charge of the Bourke Police Station, Inspector Andrew Hurst.

Read more in the printed edition of the Western Herald.