Community Compromised by Ineffective Deterrents

Community Compromised by Ineffective Deterrents
The Burdekin Community Action Group Against Crime believe that changes such as those below are sorely needed to regain control of community peace and security, we believe that: Any person that has an interest in present law and order issues are very disappointed with the way the offenders are dealt with through the legal system,we continuously see that the majority of offenders are dealt with too leniently, also that the principal of deterrent is almost non existent, if those in power have let this escape them then it's time they took notice, the incidence of the rights of residents are being constantly violated , thefts, bashings, taunts, disrespect, home break-in's, smashing shop windows, destruction of public property, & vandalism have gone on for far too long and if any thing, they are getting worse and more frequent?

Do the law makers responsible for the activation of penalties live in another world and can't see what is happening nation wide,don't they realize that this community terrorism is not going to go away and that it's their responsibility to take action to curb this disturbing trend.

The juvenile justice act sees jail as a last resort, well what is the alternative:~ good behaviour bonds, community service, fines, these things have been tried an proven useless,although there are recent changes to the act such as:
1- Persons who do not comply with conferencing requirements, 2- Contravene a conference assessment, 3-Fail to attend a drug assessment session, can now be arrested and taken to court, but what then, if they are issued with a fine the majority just don't pay it, remand and good behaviour bonds are useless with these juvenile criminal elements.

Another recent change is that young offenders can now named, if the court believes it is in the interests of the community.

We must see detention centers as a re habilitation area, or we at least need minimum security centers that equates time served,as an off set, to work off their debt to society,let's say hard labour & just basic amenities, food, shelter medical etc. no television or common social pleasures unless they earn them, in effect it will be a place that they would not want to return to!!

Magistrates need to be able to say that this will be their fate after a third offence, for goodness sake give the deterrents some teeth!!

We also suggest that the department of youth services need to become more active, along with the dept. of child safety as many of these juveniles are roaming the streets at night with out parental control, (disenfranchised) there is also a dire need for local citizens to report matters that are of community concern, there is no need to feel intimidated as you can remain anonymous, although to be fully effective you need to stand and be counted , if you don't do this you as a local citizen are letting your self and the community down, we'll get no where unless people are prepared to take the bull by the horns!!
No! it's not some one else's job it's yours.
Yes if we're vocal enough, better futures will begin when laws are justly deployed to protect the continuous violation of citizens rights, and not seemingly pander the perpetrators.