A new police operation will deliver greater resources to Tamworth to help get on top of serious and violent young offenders.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said he had been advocating for greater resources in the region and welcomed the announcement of the new operation.

“Our community has been calling for tougher laws, and consequences for actions to tackle the deeply concerning incidents of serious crime,” Mr Anderson said.

“I have recently met with senior police on a number of occasions to discuss the serious incidents of youth crime and to push for greater resources and I thank them for including our region in this important operation.

“This morning, senior police announced Operation Soteria, which is designed to address an escalation of violence in offenders aged between 11 and 16 years of age by focusing on recidivist ring leaders and the diversion of youth first-time offenders.

“A new unit of up to 60 dedicated police will be formed, and Tamworth will be one of the first locations to receive this major boost in police resources.

“This will be a high visibility operation, supported by PolAir and roaming response units, which will support the operations of local police.

“An important part of the operation will be diverting first-time offenders away from a life of crime by keeping ring leaders off the streets and funnelling at-risk youth to suitable diversionary programs.

“I’m continuing to push for greater funding for diversionary programs like the ‘Fresh Footprints’ program, and Centacare’s Keep on Track program.

“People living in our communities have a right to feel safe in their homes, and these deeply disturbing incidents of crime have taken that right from many in our region.

“Operation Soteria is a strong message to offenders, and to the community that these offences are unacceptable, and the police will be out in force to keep our communities safe.”