Police are appealing for information following the escalation of public brawls at Dee Why involving teens.
A number of incidents of teens fighting in public over the past week have sparked concern, the most disturbing of which is an escalating problem in the centre of Dee Why.
The Northern Beaches Advocate saw a large response to a social media post on Tuesday, 27 January, when a man was allegedly attacked by teens in the forecourt area of the Lighthouse building at Oaks Avenue, Dee Why.
Just before 3.00pm that day, NSW Police were called to a report of a man in his 20s set upon by two males, both in their late teens, after they became involved in a verbal argument. The two youths were in the company of a young woman.
A witness said the two youths appeared to be intoxicated and were ‘looking for a problem’. After verbally challenging the man, the bystander said he intervened when the two youths allegedly both physically assaulted the man. The man, although receiving minor facial injuries, did not seek medical attention at the time.
Two days later (Thursday, 29 January) just before 4.30pm, NSW Police were called to the same location at the forecourt area of the Lighthouse building following reports of a brawl involving several youths and an adult male.
The man in his 40s reportedly confronted the youths after they accosted his son, and the dispute escalated with around half-a-dozen teens allegedly assaulting the man in front of shocked onlookers who quickly called police.
According to a witness, the attack involved chairs being thrown and punches, but police arrived swiftly and the teens fled the scene. The man was observed providing police with a statement and did not seek medical attention at the time.
Police were seen obtaining Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage of both incidents, and it is believed the youths being sought are known to police, and some may allegedly be breaching bail conditions through their actions and presence in the area.
Residents have raised concerns about antisocial behaviour among youths gathering in the area, and say it has been escalating over the school holidays.
Northern Beaches Council is understood to be dealing with repeated incidents of vandalism, including at nearby Walter Gors Park. Thefts by teens from shops at Dee Why is reportedly so prevalent, that some stores no longer report it to police.
Police have been responsive when called to incidents in the area, and were quickly on scene at both public brawls. They were also seen apprehending a teenage boy in the vicinity on Friday, 30 January, in connection with matters relating to complaints made about behaviour in the area.
A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed they were investigating the incidents, saying they had issued move-on directions to two youths in relation to Thursday’s incident. They asked anyone with information on incidents in the area to contact Dee Why Police Station on 02 9971 3399 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Your say
Have you had an experience with intimidation or antisocial behaviour?
NSW Police are seeking public assistance in relation to this matter. If you have any information that may assist them with their inquiries, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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