Ex-cop allegedly attacked by teens stealing from supermarket calls for change

In short:

A former police officer who was allegedly attacked by teenagers stealing from a supermarket says the strategy to combat crime is failing and that more needs to be done to keep the community safe.

Independent MLC for Elwick Bec Thomas is calling on the state to review bail laws and increase police patrols.

What's next?

Three youths have been charged with common assault over the alleged incident.

A retired police officer who was allegedly attacked at a Tasmanian supermarket while trying to stop teenagers shoplifting says there needs to be a greater police presence to help the community feel safe.

Phil Pyke said he was shopping in Greater Hobart last week when he came across three young people filling up their bags and pockets.

"I just simply said, 'Hey guys, don't do that, just put it back,'" he told 936 ABC Hobart.

"[There was a] tirade of abuse, tirade of threats, and so I moved them towards the front of the supermarket, and they finally left, standing in the middle, screaming and all abuse."

Mr Pyke said he continued shopping but was informed by a security guard that the teenagers were waiting outside the store.

"I exited the supermarket, because I'm not going to be attacked in a car park and not be found, and there are cameras, there are witnesses [directly outside the store]," he said.

"[I] approached one of them and I was struck in the head with a sharp implement … I have been informed it was a knife.

"And then I was hit by another one."

Three youths have been charged with common assault over the alleged incident.

Loading...It follows a separate incident last month where a Spotlight employee was injured after approaching two men allegedly stealing from the store.

Mr Pyke believed crime was more prevalent in part because of incidents being shared on social media. He called for more visible policing in certain areas.

"Police need to be seen," Mr Pyke said.

He said the "security guard was powerless" in regard to his alleged assault.

"Police were not present and could not arrive in time," Mr Pyke said.

Calls for an urgent response to youth crime

Mr Pyke is calling for change, including greater police presence and tougher bail laws.

Independent MLC for Elwick Bec Thomas said she had been "putting pressure on the government" to review the Youth Justice Act.

"Everybody deserves to feel safe and be safe in our local communities," she told 936 ABC Hobart.

"Every single incident does damage psychologically and physically to victims and there needs to be a more urgent response than what is occurring at the moment.

"It's all well and good to say we need a therapeutic approach, and yes, we do.

"But what the community is saying loud and clear is there needs to be consequences for behaviour, not necessarily punishment, but consequences, and that's what appears to be missing right now."

Targeted patrols, diversionary programs

Tasmania Police said incidents were often committed by recidivist offenders and that last year 64 individuals accounted for half of youth crime charges.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Nathan Johnston said Tasmania Police was actively working to address antisocial behaviour through targeted patrols and engaging with businesses.

"We are also engaging with the community to discourage unlawful and anti-social behaviour, and to employ techniques that can have a positive impact on a young person's life," he said.

"Police actively seek out opportunities for the diversion and rehabilitation of youth offenders because we know early intervention is particularly beneficial in preventing crime."

A Tasmanian government spokesperson said as well as dedicated police resources, the party was backing diversionary programs for at risk young people.

They said they were currently reviewing the Youth Justice Act, aiming to reduce repeat offending.

"Tasmanians have a right to feel safe and we will not tolerate youth crime," they said.

Change begins with safe space, advocate says

University of Tasmania senior lecturer in criminology Michael Guerzoni said young people involved in crime were often also in the child protection system, and spent time in out-of-home care.

"That's significant because it draws attention to the role of child maltreatment and adverse childhood experiences in leading to behaviours and patterns of life that lead to young people getting caught up in the criminal justice system," he said.

Dr Guerzoni said approaches were needed to support families in making homes safe places for children.

"So that's a protective factor, having homes where children are loved and cared for, and their wellbeing is being met," he said.

While increased police presence can reduce crime, Dr Guerzoni said there needed to be protective factors to ensure it did not simply result in more young people moving through the criminal justice system.

Police say anyone who witnesses crime should ensure their own safety, remove themselves from any threat, and contact police.