Juvenile crime worry

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32798, 24 December 1971, Page 3

Juvenile crime worry

A noticeable increase in the aggressive tactics used by members of rival motor-bike gangs and increased juvenile crime were two of the activities to cause concern to the police in Christchurch over the last year, said the commander of the district, Chief Superintendent G. Tait, this week.

The police had found some really dangerous weapons obviously used in brawls by rival motor-cycle gangs in Christchurch, said Mr Tait. “Gangs are very mobile and travel big distances. They are likely to strike anywhere, any time. The police in 1972 will need to be very mobile to deal with them.”

Looking ahead to 1972, Mr Tait said that one of the most urgent needs facing the police would be to reduce the rate of juvenile offending. He also announced the for-

mation early in 1972 of a committee of about five members of the Maori Affairs and police departments in an effort to reduce crime committed by Maoris. There was a big increase in juvenile offending in. 1971, especially shoplifting, burglary and vandalism.

“Lack of discipline at home is the main cause—fathers lacking interest in their children, mothers unable to cope through overwork or sheer neglect. “A lot of parents have given up hope of controlling their kids. Complacency is a national malady,” said Mr Tait.

“The youth aid section is effective to a point, but it can only do so much. We intend to expand it if we can spare the staff. “Business firms should become more security conscious. They should show no leniency towards shoplifters and report all offenders.” The proposed committee on Maori offenders should bring about a closer liaison between the police and the

Maori Affairs Department, said Mr Tait.

The police would watch for young Maoris getting into trouble and point out to the Maori Affairs Department those who might need closer supervision. The Maori Affairs people would then help in much the same way as the youth aid section. “We have had the idea in operation in a mild manner with Maori wardens for some time,” Mr Tait said. “This might develop into something better.”

Reviewing the last year, Mr Tait noted that burglaries Were up 300 on 1970. Though many of them were petty breaks they all made work and caused distress to householders.

“There are still too many rapes and assaults,” he said. The clearance rate of crime could never be too high, said Mr Tait, and the police aim was for more clearances every years. “This year has been fairly good: There have been 2700 burglaries so far, with a clearance rate of 27 per cent. “With unlawfully taken cars, 60 per cent of the offenders were detected.

“The police licensing squad has been fairly successful in reducing under-age drinking, some hundreds of offenders appearing before the Magistrate’s Court this year. “There was a slight increase in the number of drug offences detected, but we have the position contained if not controlled.