Town plans action against young thugs

The people of Eltham are planning action against young thugs who are ruining their town lifestyle.

Last night more than 300 residents of the South Taranaki town turned out for a public meeting to discuss the problem.

At the end of the meeting they formed an action committee to consider volunteer night patrols, roving security cameras and neighbourhood support groups.

Resident Mavis Higgins told the meeting, organised by the local Lions club, that petty crime, vandalism and bullying was caused principally by "too many babies having too many babies".

"They don't know how to bring up their kids and we've let the situation happen because we've sat back and done nothing," she said.

"This is about the power of people who care about their community to do something positive."

The area's police youth aid officer, Rob Jury, said the meeting signalled there was potential for the community to work with the police.

He said the Eltham youth problem was far from out of control. Police had identified a core group of six or seven youths behind a recent crime wave and they would be dealt with through a combination of curfew, family group conferences, community work, reparation and apologies to victims.

- NZPA