On the Northern Beaches, the persistent issue of youth and teenage crime has left countless victims in its wake. It’s becoming  a serious, out of control problem and I refuse to stay silent any longer, many of us have borne witness or have personally lived through traumatic incidents leading to lifelong scars. These crimes, predominantly carried out by large groups of underaged males, have struck fear into the heart of our community. Innocent girls, boys, and even adults have been harassed, physically attacked, and robbed—leaving them not only devastated but also terrified to step outside.

Consider the recent heart-wrenching incident last Friday on the Northern Beaches, where a gentleman was violently assaulted to the extent that he is now fighting for his life. This incident is not isolated; it's part of a distressing pattern where young girls and boys are verbally abused, threatened even in seemingly safe places like cinemas. It's not just the physical injuries that concern us, but the deep psychological trauma inflicted upon these victims.

The time to act is now. Our community deserves to feel safe, and our children and adults deserve to live without the constant fear of violence and intimidation. We urgently call upon local authorities and community leaders to implement tangible, effective measures to combat this rising tide of crime.

**Immediate action is crucial**:

- Inform parents and carers of what is happening in the neighbourhood. Where is your child tonight? Whom is he/she hanging out with? Please please pay attention to what’s happening in their life’s. Being a teen is  a worldwide time between being a kid and an adult. This is a crucial time to learn what’s right and wrong and yes, a tough time to get through. But should not be treated as a no man’s land where you can’t be punished!!
We all hope our kids will grow up without the heaviness on their shoulders of what horrible things they have done. 

-Increase Police Patrol

Regular police presence in hotspots and violent crime-prone areas can serve as a powerful deterrent.

- Install more lights and cameras around parks and playgrounds along the beaches. Those places are very dark and is a huge popular area for tees and younger ones to hang out in at night.

-Tougher laws around how to punish an underage kid.

(Arrest them and Take them to jail and let them sit there without any communication for a couple of nights.)

-Restricted law time spent outside if convicted as underaged, especially at night. No go after 6pm for example.

- Criminal record to be added for life

-Parents to be punished as well and a big fine to be added.
Parents need to take responsibility of where their children are. Who they are hanging out with and where they are. It’s very easy if you take control! iPhone is the first step! 

-Stricter Community Programs, designed to engage youth positively (obviously) but they are way to soft and no kid takes it on board. We need to introduce them a stronger message and teach them how to become stronger and more confident!  How to stand up and say NO!!  How to be the tough one without violence and aggressive behaviours . What trauma means and what impact it does. And more

-  Initiatives:

Partner with local schools to introduce educational programs highlighting the consequences of crime and the importance of coexistence and respect

-Support Services: Increase funding and support for victims of crime, giving them the resources they need to recover both physically and psychologically.

The Northern Beaches should be a haven of peace and safety where everyone can thrive free from fear. Join us in demanding urgent changes to remedy the dangerous trend of youth crime, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. Stand with us and sign this petition, urging authorities to prioritize our community's safety.