Bail bar raised

By Emma Sun
Youths between the ages of 10 and 18 who commit offences such as burglary, criminal damage, street violence and robbery will receive high level bail conditions to reduce repeat offending.
The program has already been established in the City of Kingston and City of Glen Eira for more than a year, with significantly improved results.
It was officially launched for the Southern Metropolitan Region by Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius, who praised its success in addressing youth issues and bringing down youth re-offending.
“Nearly half of all offenders processed in Victoria are young people between the ages of 10 and 25,” he said.
“This program is designed to hold these young people to account and put them on a pathway to changing their behaviour.
“Kids got the message that if they didn’t change their ways, they will continue to get friendly visits from the police and have their liberties reduced in order to prevent them from committing offences.”
Bail conditions for each youth vary to ensure it is in the best interest of the child and their circumstances.
It can include night-time curfews, not associating with co-offenders, not being allowed to go to certain places unless with a parent and attending school.
Those who breach a bail condition will be arrested and taken to court within 48 hours of a breach.
Moorabbin police Sergeant Michael White said the program focused on breaking the cycle of offending.
“What we found was that a tiny portion of kids are doing a disproportionate amount of damage,” he said.
“The program lowers chances of re-offending and reduces harm to the community, both financially and physically.
“While on the program, the kids are expected to abide by the bail conditions and those on the program have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
City of Greater Dandenong Mayor Roz Blades praised the police for their initiative and was pleased the council could be involved.
“I think it will have some significant and positive influences on young people,” she said.
“The idea is that we offer as much help as possible to young people so that they can move forward positively.”
The program will run in the Cities of Stonnington, Port Phillip, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, Casey and Cardinia.