Recently, some 200m from home on a quiet street at 2pm, my neighbours were put in hospital by a stolen car which came around the corner on the wrong side of the road so fast that it had a head-on collision with my neighbours’ car, which was a total write-off.
We have all heard about the feral youth crisis across the country but it really hits home when it is closer to you.
Baby boomers had a bright future thanks to pax americana.
Today’s young people have a gloomier outlook unless they have rich parents.
This is most unfortunate, even a social tragedy, but no excuse for causing damage to persons and property and brazen theft with violence.
The victims of youth crime seem to be less valued than the perpetrators.
So often we see that youth repeat offenders are let out on bail again and again.
Of course, we should try to rehabilitate those who cause damage to life and property but it seems that the court system is failing us.
The punishment should fit the crime; this is not happening.
If the jails are too full for these menaces to society we should set up chain gangs to work on roads and other projects – yes, a form of hard labour for all repeat offenders.
Also some of their wages should be given to their victims as some payment for the harm they have done to them.
If this does not work perhaps the cat-o’-nine-tails should do the trick.
If one of your loved ones was maimed or killed or otherwise harmed by feral youth, you would probably think the cat-o’-nine-tails was too lenient.
Pain and loss to victims is not given due consideration.
The privileged untouchable judiciary does not answer to the public and so its tenure should be limited to a fixed term.
People from a privileged background, who are only trained in law, are not necessarily the best fit to judge what to do with youth crime and to recompense the victims.
Email, Apr 9
Charles Hemmings, Woy Woy
chain gangs? hard labour? sounds a lot like North Korea punishment.
We recently visited the Long Jetty and surrounding area. We got harassed by rogue teenagers every time going to the Jetty, fishing or just picnic at the park. One claimed their dad works at Fisheries at The Entrance and acted like he owned the Jetty. We didn’t feel safe or welcome. The public toilets were occupied by campervans. The whole area looks derelict except maybe a cafe or two. Youth Crime is a big issue if you want the area to attract the right visitors.