A growing trend of vandalism and inappropriate behaviour around the Scone Youth Centre has come to the point of frustration following an act of vandalism last week.
A building within the youth centre precinct was vandalised in recent weeks affecting many non-profit groups in the area.
The Little Rascals Playgroup area sustained thousands of dollars worth of damage heavily impacting on the community managed playgroup.
The Upper Hunter Shire Council has grave concerns about the damage and the possibility of future damage.
The council’s youth workers plan to meet with Hunter Valley Police to discuss strategies to improve the situation and further security measures will be installed in the precinct.
The issue of problems near the centre was raised by police at the council’s Youth Services Committee meeting in December last year when the sign in and sign out procedures of the youth centre were questioned.
The council has since reviewed its Arrivals and Departures Policy to ensure young people notify the staff if they are to leave the centre for any reason.
With the new youth centre upgrades set to be officially opened tomorrow afternoon, Upper Hunter Shire Council community services manager Kerri Cone said it was so disheartening to see vandalism occurring and upsetting that fingers are often pointed at people attending the youth centre when vandalism and other problems are occurring around town.
“Our youth workers supervise the youth centre facilities during youth club sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday nights and they have a terrific group of young people who attend from both Scone and Aberdeen and report that members are generally well behaved at the centre.
“The council aims to provide a safe environment where young people can meet and enjoy themselves and practice responsible behaviour.
“People are required to follow the Youth Club rules if they wish to attend,” Ms Cone said.
“It may be that some young people tell their parents they are at the youth centre, but never attend, or sign in very briefly, before leaving.
“Parents are most welcome to ring the centre when it is open to check that their child has arrived safely and is participating in the activities, and to talk to the youth workers if concerned,” she said.
“I would encourage community members to report to police any people behaving suspiciously on the property, particularly if the youth centre is closed and they do not appear to be part of a legitimate group.
“Hopefully community vigilance will help reduce incidents similar to the recent vandalism at the centre.”
Hunter Valley Police inspector Guy Guiana said the police had not met to discuss vandalism or graffiti with the council to date.
Insp Guiana said there was some evidence of people coming up to Scone on the rail line from Muswellbrook and Singleton on nights corresponding with the youth centre opening times, however the level of vandalism hasn’t spiked in that area or any other area around Scone.
He said the police had dealt with a young person under the Young Offenders Act in relation to graffiti around town.
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