A youth crime reduction strategy implemented in March by NSW Police will now employ intelligence tactics to catch ‘post-and-boast’ offenders.

Announced by then NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb, Operation Soteria was put in place to target some 80-100 repeat youth offenders aged 11 to 16 who are allegedly responsible for 90% of all crime across nine regional areas.

The areas targeted by NSW Police include Moree, Tamworth, Dubbo, Orange, Tweed Heads, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Taree, and Newcastle. 

An additional 60 police officers and rapid response units have been employed under Soteria to focus on break-and-enter and motor vehicle theft offences. 

Surveillance tactics employed

Over the past 18 months, parts of western and northern NSW have experienced more than 1700 home invasions and 1500 car thefts. 

Increased police visibility as well as tighter bail restrictions have been key to Soteria’s initial phase. 

The Minns Government introduced the bail legislation as well as the threat of an additional two years’ imprisonment for ‘post-and-boast’ offences in March.

Now, with a 40% drop in youth offences since its rollout, Soteria will enter its second phase equipping NSW Police’s intelligence command with an array of new tactics.

Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisantos said many of these tactics, such as facial recognition and covert surveillance, are the same strategies applied to “organised and counterterror crime”.

“We will extend a hand in help to those who want it, but extend police tactics and a set of handcuffs to those who don’t and continue to commit these violent offences,” Pisanos said.

The chief executive officer of the Justice and Equity Centre, Jonathan Hunyor, has scrutinised the strategy’s sustainability and says it is a “costly investment in failure.”

The Productivity Commission’s latest report, released in January, revealed that Australia spends $1 billion annually on child imprisonment. 

“We will extend a hand in help to those who want it, but extend police tactics and a set of handcuffs to those who don’t and continue to commit these violent offences.”

Underlying issues not addressed

Indigenous Justice Program Caseworker Liam Bellette, who works with youth as part of the Regional Youth Support Service on the Central Coast of NSW, says the pattern of reoffending is not uncommon.

“They need caseworkers in their corner to help them address some of the underlying reasons they’re offending,” he said.

“I know of a couple of young people who have just reoffended because it’s that safety for them.

“That’s really sad [because] it’s at the cost of their freedom,” he said. 

Bellette adds that housing instability, financial hardship, boredom, and coordination from larger groups are also significant factors contributing to youth crime and reoffences.

“I guess they’re a face for a problem,” he said.

“It’s easy for police to use that to push for harsher bail restrictions.”

The number of youth offenders refused bail has increased by 80%  since March, and, despite the promise of a 12-month review, the legislation has been extended until 2028.

Bellette says he understands the fear felt amongst regional communities as a motivator for the strategy, but believes it has resulted in an ‘us versus them’ mentality.

“It’s not necessarily bringing the community in to be like, well, what are some solutions?” he said.

“This is a community problem that we’re seeing.

“I think it’s great the police are being funded, but it’s not solving the problem.”

Gosford Regional Youth Support Service Hub, where Bellette previously worked, closed due to a lack of funding last year.

“ The hub was a space that anyone could walk into,” he said.

“Supports become very limited once a young person turns 18.”

Earlier this month, a teen from the Central Coast was refused bail after being charged with 26 property-related offences. 

“I guess they’re a face for a problem … and it’s easy for police to use that to push for harsher bail restrictions.” 

A call for early intervention and consultation 

Daniel Ebbin, an academic at the University of Newcastle who is youth practice lead for the Name Narrate Navigate program, agrees that the strategy dismisses underlying factors. 

“I think what they’re overlooking [is that] when they post about a crime, they might feel like it’s the only thing they’re good at,” Ebbin said.

“Often these are young people and children who have always been told they’re not good at things.” 

Since March, 119 youth under the age of 18  have been arrested under Operation Soteria. 

Ebbin says the strategy should prioritise early intervention and consultation over arrest.

“We know that incarcerating young people doesn’t help … It often leads to a life of incarceration,” he said.

“I firmly believe incarceration is a last resort.

“We’re really good at talking about young people and coming up with ideas … without involving them.”