The Youthie: children under 12 banned from safe space as Tamworth council works to rectify issue with youth crime

As break-and-enters and car thefts continue to rise, Tamworth's youth are one of the major drivers, according to an Oxley Police District report to the council's crime working group.

A group of passionate locals aim to break the cycle. Opening the doors to The Youthie before children fall in with the wrong crowd is a logical first step, councillor Russell Webb said.

"There's been a lot of work going on there with some of the staff trying to find ways through the network of governance and requirements to be able to do that safely and legally," he said.

"But the group has reaffirmed its commitment to effective, tangible solutions to kids under 12 not being allowed in there."

There's a few stumbling blocks in the way, including a lack of available resources compounded by governance requirements for vulnerable age groups and the original funding agreement with the federal government.

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Police have their own enforcement operations, and diversion programs for young offenders are constantly being explored, but a welcoming environment, a listening ear and the occasional hot meal could go a long way in keeping kids safe and engaged.

But, a number of strategies are being considered to overcome them, including the development of a comprehensive Youth Strategy and smaller, targeted programs specifically aimed at children under 12.

Cr Charles Impey said it's a real problem and disappointing to see that young people are carrying out serious crimes.

"I'm sure there's a link between access to facilities like The Youthie for under 12 year olds and crime rates," he said.

"If people nappy-aged to 12 are bored, they are turning to the wrong things and I think if something could be done to attract people younger than 12 to be part of a positive environment like The Youthie, it might have a positive effect on those youth crimes," Cr Impey said.

The problems date back to the original funding agreement with the federal government, mayor Col Murray said, that described the eligible age group as 12 and up.

"It's presented a real challenge for the city and particularly the locals," he said.

"Even today, 10 years on, we are still seeing many young children handing out around The Youthie who unfortunately aren't allowed to enter.

"Hopefully we'll get a rational solution that will accomodate those younger children, give them something productive to do and some structured enjoyment in their day.

"I believe it's a fundamental failure in our system where our youth are not engaged young enough.

"There's a lot of discussion by people with more knowledge than me about the subject - it's about getting them off the streets and into constructive activities."

The council considered the issue at this week's meeting on the basis of a report from the Tamworth Regional Council Crime Prevention Working Group.

It will need to resolve the issue with the federal government.

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