We all know the type of people involved in such crime!!!
Mon, 4 December 2023 2:00AM
Broome youth crime: Business ownersterrorised by unruly children in never ending wave of crimeBroomebusiness owners grappling with a surge in youth crime. Pictured are shop ownersMick Chapman (middle) and Abby Chan (left). Credit: Supplied
Broomebusiness owners under siege from a seemingly never-ending wave of youth crimeare arming themselves with pepper spray as one shop owner said the once idyllicholiday getaway now “feels like Beirut”.
Ahardware store owner whose staff were terrorised by unruly youths twice in oneweek, including by a 10-year-old boy armed with a knife, also revealed therehad been a “shocking” surge in the number of gun safes purchased.
Ageneral store worker said the pint-sized criminal gangs were subjecting staffto chemical attacks and even hurling snakes at them.
Businessowners told The West they fear the unrelenting crime wave will result insomeone being seriously injured — or even killed — with calls growing for theGovernment to step in.
Fiveteenagers were also arrested in a separate incident on November 5 after theyallegedly broke into multiple properties and threatened three young women. Thetrio barricaded themselves inside a bedroom before the door was smashed down.
Theassaults on the Kimberley’s frontline of tourism and commerce come as a womanwas allegedly raped after being lured out of her home with a light and a27-year-old was allegedly stabbed to death during a row in Cable Beach lastmonth.
The beachside paradise has turnedinto hell on earth for some residents with crime soaring.
There’s been a 178.7 per centincrease in crime since the 2014-15 financial year.
Between January and September, 3244offences were recorded, with the worst being family-related violence andstealing.
Last financial year, in the suburb ofCable Beach, there were 1662 crimes reported with 36 of them sexual offences.
The Broome Advertiser revealed lastmonth Broome’s Mitre 10 store was caught up in a shocking incident on November15 when five primary school-aged children, including the knife-wielding10-year-old, gained access through a side entry before they threatened staff.
Mitre 10 manager
Mick Chapman said one of his workers has been left ‘nervous and worried’ following the juvenile rampage involving the boys and has since requested to not be left alone in the store. Credit: JacksonFlindell/ Jackson FlindellThreechildren were charged while two were released without any repercussions.
Mitre10 manager Mick Chapman said one of his workers has been left “nervous andworried” following the juvenile rampage involving the boys and has sincerequested to not be left alone in the store.
“Shedoesn’t want to be left alone in the shop anymore,” Mr Chapman said.
“Ididn’t realise how much impact that it had on her. My honest opinion for you isthat ever since they brought in liquor restrictions, the crime has gone throughthe roof.
“Sometimesit feels like Beirut.”
A weeklater, Mr Chapman’s store was targeted again.
