Local small business, Ram’s G-Elec Automotive, has been bearing the brunt of the youth crime crisis, with an astonishing $150,000 worth of damage caused by multiple attacks in one month alone.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, and LNP candidate for the seat of Rockhampton, Donna Kirkland, recently met with owner of Ram’s G-Elec Automotive, Vishal Nand, to hear firsthand how the spiralling crime crisis is leaving his business struggling to keep going.
Ms Landry said she was horrified to hear the stories of what Vishal has had to endure at the hands of children.
“We hear countless stories from people in the community who are, quite frankly, fed up with not feeling safe in their own homes and being left to bear the brunt of the financial impact caused by these young thugs.
“I was absolutely outraged to hear what Vishal has had to endure. These children are coming in in the middle of the night, when they should be home in bed, and reeking devastation on Vishal’s business.
“The frustration from business owners is real. They feel let down by a judicial system which is in tatters,” Ms Landry said.
The LNP candidate for Rockhampton, Donna Kirkland, stated she has been fielding numerous calls and messages from frustrated business owners who are continually targeted by out-of-control youths.
“In recent times, the community has witnessed a concerning surge in car thefts and break-ins, leaving locals fearful. The unsettling rise in criminal activities has also led to tangible consequences for business owners. The increased incidents have resulted in higher insurance costs for businesses, further compounding the economic impact on the community.
“The root of the issue can be traced back to the Labor Government’s decision to weaken existing laws fostering a generation of young criminals who now perceive themselves as untouchable.
“A top priority for me is restoring safety to our community. Only an LNP Government will address the youth crime crisis gripping the Rockhampton region. We will rewrite the Youth Justice Act to ensure the rights of victims will be put before the rights of criminals and ensure the judiciary system is able to deliver sentences which reflect community expectations and standards,” Mrs Kirkland said.
