By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
YOUTH Justice workers are set to hit Apex Gang’s juvenile armed robbers and car thieves with behaviour change programs, a children’s court has heard.
Several Melbourne-based gang members have been recently arrested, with 13 offenders locked in juvenile detention, the court heard on 14 December.
During the hearing, a 16-year-old “near the top” of the gang’s youth members was sentenced for a string of serious crimes involving taking a firearm to school, disqualified driving and car theft.
The boy – who had spent a month in juvenile remand – was sentenced to a “long” 12-month youth attendance order and disqualified from driving for 18 months.
The boy was described as a “very serious offender” who was supported by a good family but didn’t seem to be responding to Youth Justice interventions.
“It’s really frustrating, I know,” the magistrate told a Youth Justice worker.
“If there’s going to be repercussions and this goes bottom-up, we just don’t want anyone getting hurt.”
“I hope he stays out of trouble, for everyone is concerned.”
The magistrate asked the worker what “anti-gang” programs were being introduced by Youth Justice.
The gangs had added a “complex layer” to the department’s work, the worker said.
The department was introducing behaviour change programs, and seeking recommendations from senior practice advisors.
It was also meeting with police to improve the sharing of information.
The magistrate then asked the boy what he was going to do if his mates came around to suck him into trouble.
“I’ll just stay with my family and my missus,” the boy replied.
“Enough is enough,” the magistrate warned.
