The government of South Australia is set to implement stricter measures targeting repeat juvenile offenders. This includes denying bail to persistent young criminals and revising legislation to impose tougher penalties.
This decision comes in response to a startling incident in which a gang of minors assaulted employees and vandalized a liquor store in Plympton, a suburb of Adelaide.
During the episode, a group of up to 12 minors, some merely 10 years old, reportedly attacked the shop staff after two young girls were caught trying to pilfer alcohol.
Hugo Burton, CEO of Palmer Hospitality Group, described the scene, stating, “The workers secured the store, prompting several youths to attempt entry through the front. When thwarted, they resorted to hurling rocks.”
In the chaos, one employee suffered multiple punches to the face.
Authorities apprehended five individuals at the site, including a 17-year-old male who faced additional charges for violating his bail conditions.
All those arrested were subsequently released on bail.Â
“They understand there’s no consequences for their actions and they can get away with whatever they want really,” Burton said.Â
Following the incident, Attorney-General Kyam Maher introduced new laws to crack down on youth crime, targeting repeat young offenders.
“This will have consequences in terms of tougher sentencing and harder access to get bail,” he said.
However, the opposition has criticised the government’s response.
“We don’t have enough police, we’ve got weak laws and we’ve got a government which always has law and order in the go-slow lane,” shadow police minister Jack Batty said.
