POLICE fear the new suburbs of Whittlesea will be a breeding ground for gangs.
Inspector Bob Dykstra said the new housing estates with young children and limited infrastructure, recreation and public transport could lead to young people becoming gang members, terrorising the community.
He said police expected problems from now to the next 10 years but were trying to address issues immediately.
“The police are liaising with the developers [about amenities] and trying to influence the kids to make positive choices,” Mr Dykstra said.
He said children on the new estates were young and their activities were mischievous, rather than criminal.
“But it might start with graffiti, go on to petty theft and then gangs.”
Mr Dykstra said youngsters, bored because there was little to do, might start gathering in groups and become gangs.
He said groups of teenagers could also affect the community’s perception of safety. “You see a group of half a dozen young people, and may not feel safe.”
He said housing estates in the northern suburbs had small blocks and limited transport and activities, leading to disaffected youth.
Mr Dykstra said the design of many housing estates in the north meant local youths had little to do. He supported the Whittlesea council’s call for a justice precinct in South Morang, including a new “super” police station, Magistrates’ Court and County Court on land surrounding Whittlesea Council offices in Ferres Boulevard.
