Police call for community to come forward with info on incident

Reports of a home being “smashed up” in Narrandera last week have caused an uproar on social media, with a number of people describing the incident as “absolutely disgusting behaviour”.

The age of those involved was also a cause for concern, leading to the outbursts of anger.

Griffith Local Area Command Inspector Jason Clarke confirmed he was well aware of the incident and the case was being treated seriously.

He sent out a call for anyone with information about the incident to come forward and inform the police. “About 9.50pm on Wednesday January 29, police attended an address in Adams Street, Narrandera following reports of an assault and persons damaging a house,” Insp Clarke said. “Despite police arriving shortly after being called, the persons involved had fled.

“Police are investigating the matter and are asking for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information, to contact CrimeStoppers.”

Well known youth advocate David Polhill posted on Facebook, saying a “hard working family relatively new to town found their house surrounded by a group of 10 late primary/early high school girls”.

“Smashing their windows all round the house and hammering on the door, one son went out to confront them, got bashed and did not retaliate because they were girls, then was taken to hospital,” the post stated.

Some people who weighed into the debate on social media criticised the local police for a lack of action, with one post calling for justice to be served.

“These ‘kids’ are getting completely out of control and need to be dealt with properly,” the post stated.

“From setting fires and exploding hair spray cans, trashing the park, yelling and screaming at all hours, to now smashing up a house.

“Police out here are dropping the ball left, right and centre – utterly lazy and sloppy all because heaven forbid they have to do some paperwork.”

A common theme repeated on the social media posts were questioning whether the group could be charged due to their age.

“They should be charged with assault and malicious damage. I know kids have been charged with these crimes before – there are juvenile detention centres.

“If the kids can’t be charged then the parents should be charged and made to pay for damage.”

Many other comments agreed the “scum” responsible for the “disgusting behaviour” should be punished and their parents held responsible.

A further post questioned why “should children be able to run a town? Hold a town meeting and have the parents held accountable,” the post stated.

“Surely if the town combined and showed the parents they would sue them for their children’s actions they would get the message.”

Another comment highlighted how the town is perceived.

“Narrandera was once a quiet and peaceful little town, now it’s fires being set, innocent people being hurt and families not having a proper chance to defend their homes and children,” the posts stated.

Many comments on social media were in unison, stating “enough is enough”, with an underlying tone of residents just hoping for some peace and quiet.

Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 6 February 2025.