Police in the west have adopted a new approach to working with youth offenders who are considered at high risk of re-offending.
The Taskforce Wayward initiative involves police proactively engaging with 64 “high risk” youths – such as those who have committed aggravated burglaries and home invasions – from areas including Wyndham, Melton, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said in the past, detectives would “simply investigate and arrest”, but the new approach includes officers making sure the youths remain at school and comply with their bail restrictions.
“Whilst this is not a new concept for detectives to engage with offenders, it is new for this team,” she said.
“Families are embracing this model and are grateful that police are regularly checking in on their kids.
“This is clearly having an impact and there have been no home invasions since March in the areas that Taskforce Wayward looks after.”
Wyndham Police Inspector Marty Allison said the Taskforce Wayward project was “fabulous news for the community”.
Inspector Allison said Wyndham police also had several programs with young people in place, including a partnership with North Melbourne Football Club’s The Huddle and the Game Changers initiative, which uses sport to introduce youths to skills and careers.
Inspector Allison said police also supported the Wyndham Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC), in partnership with YSAS Youth Support and Advocacy Service and Australian Trade Training and Assessment.
The PCYC aims to engage “at-risk” children aged between 10 to 19, through learning boxing at a Werribee gym.
“We also have a terrific relationship with Tarneit Senior Secondary College and Tarneit P-9 College.
“All these things add up to engaging with young people and trying to keep them out of crime,” Inspector Allison said.
