Prevention of youth crime has been put at the top of the NSW Police agenda by Commissioner Mick Fuller.
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The state’s 64 PCYCs (Police Citizens Youth Club) and 150 liaison officers will be provided with the tools to prevent children and teenagers from becoming radicalised, joining a gang or criminal activity.
In making the announcement to “rejuvenate” PCYCs, Commissioner Fuller said he wanted to “save a generation of kids”.
Orange’s PCYC has been making good strides towards connecting police and young people.
Several young people accused of starting fires have been participating in the club’s New Leaf program.
Club manager Geoff Potts said that program focused on encouraging physical activity, education and a do-it-yourself building program with Bunnings.
“There will only be benefits in the long term,” Mr Potts said.
Mr Potts said support from Bunnings had allowed the club to incorporate simple projects, but they had profound impact.
“Having built something there’s that sense of ownership and achievement at having built something,” Mr Potts said.
Mr Potts said he welcomed the Police Commissioner’s statements on the future of PCYC.
“I’m buoyed by the news that the Commissioner wants to save a generation of kids,” he said.
“We’ve got two youth case workers and they do fantastic job. We see ourselves as collaborative partners.
“One of our missions is getting kids active in life and empowering kids.”
Mr Potts said the club worked with several schools and community groups to ensure there were regular events operating during school terms and holidays.
During Canobolas Local Area Command’s Community Safety Precinct Committee, Superintendent Shane Cribb said the New Leaf program was part of a multi-agency approach.
“That’s where the young people we identified with lighting these fires are now involved with the program, trying to rehabilitate them and get them back on the right track,” Superintendent Cribb said.
“Whilst we’re out there on the front foot addressing crime we’ve also got to look at preventative measures.”
Superintendent Cribb said he expected further resources to be invested in youth crime prevention in the future.
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
