ARREST MADE: Newcastle Businesses, Residents Take Action Against Rising Vandalism Amid Mounting Crime Rates

23 August 2024

Frustration is boiling over in Newcastle as local businesses, residents, and community groups have united to stop a surge in vandalism that has left many struggling to cover the ongoing costs of cleaning graffiti from their properties. The issue has become the tipping point in a series of escalating crimes, including drug-related offences, break-ins, thefts, and other petty criminal activities.

Late Friday night (23/8/2024) in a coordinated effort to reclaim their neighbourhoods, shop owners, residents, and concerned community members have banded together to patrol the streets, determined to put an end to the defacement plaguing their area. For many businesses, the daily burden of cleaning graffiti and repairing damaged property has become financially unbearable, pushing them closer to the brink as they contend with other rising expenses.

Local resident Tobias Hudson was instrumental in tonight’s initiative, catching vandals in the act and alerting both the community and the police. His report led to the arrest of one individual near Christ Church Cathedral on Hunter Street, where police questioned the man before making an arrest. The swift action was a relief to those who have seen their livelihoods and neighbourhoods suffer due to the relentless defacement of property.

“Enough is enough,” said Hudson. “It’s not just about the graffiti. We’re dealing with a wave of crimes – drug-related incidents, break-ins, thefts – and it’s making people feel unsafe. This arrest shows that our community won’t tolerate vandalism, and the police are ready to take action when we stand together.”

The impact of these crimes on local businesses is significant. Shop owners, already grappling with rising costs, are now spending hundreds of dollars each week to remove graffiti and repair damages. For many, this is simply unsustainable. “We’re trying to keep our doors open, but how can we do that when every morning starts with cleaning up someone else’s mess?” one local business owner lamented. “The costs are piling up, and it’s eating into our profits.”

The increased vandalism is happening amid a backdrop of other concerning crimes. Recent reports indicate a spike in drug-related offences, break-ins, and thefts across Newcastle, creating a climate of fear and frustration among residents. For many, the patrols initiated tonight are seen as a necessary measure to reclaim their streets and send a clear message to those responsible.

The arrest near Christ Church Cathedral is being hailed as a significant step forward. “This sends a message that if you vandalise other people’s property in Newcastle, you will be caught and you will be held accountable,” said one business owner.

Some local businesses and community members have expressed their gratitude to Newy 87.8 about the Police’s role in bringing these people to justice, so we have passed on this message to Newcastle City Police District, Tim Crakanthorp, and Police Minister Yasmin Catley.