TOWNSVILLE BULLETIN REPORTS NOFFS NEW YOUTH CRIME APPROACH
May 2024
In a town where youth crime has become all too frequent, a business owner’s response signals the shift in attitudes toward the challenge.
All Media Room
The Townsville Bulletin reports that a Kirwan business recently had a brick thrown through its window by young people known to the Townsville Street University. While the centre ensured that the youths accepted responsibility, the owner chose not to call police or demand payment for the damage but rather, asked to be able to sit down and talk with those involved.
The man used the opportunity to impart a valuable lesson about the challenges involved in running a small business in Townsville. Matt Noffs, CEO of the Ted Noffs Foundation that runs the Street University, applauded this act of kindness as an example of community spirit.
The Street University works with the most difficult and at-risk young people to combat crime through education, skills development and pro-social activities.
Officer in Charge of Kirwan Police Station, Matty Lyons, said, “Any initiative like this that’s preventing youth from being entrenched in crime is positive for the community.”