Mark Tyson
Member
Gangs vow to keep weapons
11/08/2003
By MARY PAPADAKIS and CARLY CRAWFORD
Victoria, Australia
TEENAGE gangs have vowed to defy new weapons laws by carrying samurai swords, machetes and butcher's knives in public.
As authorities move to stem the rising tide of bloody gang violence with tougher laws, teenagers from the western suburbs have promised to fight on with a frightening cache of deadly weapons.
They say they carry the weapons to defend themselves from rival gangs who try to sell drugs on their turf.
Many would rather pay a fine than risk death by facing a mob brawl unarmed.
Fabian (not his real name), 16, never leaves his house without a 50cm samurai sword concealed in a case down the inside of his pants. He has used it twice in the past two years, he said.
"You don't want to use it, but it comes down to whether you get stabbed or he does," he said.
His friend Nathan (not his real name), 17, claims weapons are vital for defending his gang's position in the drug market around St Albans.
"The reason why people fight for the area is because, if you run an area, people come to you to buy drugs, and when you're selling drugs you've got money to buy better weapons to protect yourself with," Nathan said.
Samurai swords and machetes were easily accessible, he said, and cost anywhere between $80 and $200.
He said he could cover a minor fine by selling the party drug ice. His gang also gatecrashed parties to steal electronic equipment to cover the costs.
"The fines aren't much and you can pay it easy," Nathan said.
But Police Minister Andre Haermeyer said the new laws carried tougher sanctions than many people thought.
"The penalties can be quite severe and I think they'll be surprised," he said.
Last month, police were given 480 metal detectors and new powers allowing them to search anyone they suspect of carrying a weapon.
Under the amended Control of Weapons Act, those who refuse a search can be fined up to $3000. Those caught with a weapon face fines of up to $12,000 and possible jail.
"The police are following this up as a major issue, but attitudes are not going to change overnight," said Mr Haermeyer.
He said armed attacks commonly involved males aged 16 to 25. "They arm themselves because they think it's tough and . . . because they're brain dead," he said.
His comments followed the stabbing death of Quang Minh Tran, 19, outside the Salt nightclub in South Yarra early yesterday morning.
Nightclubs in regional Victoria where curfews have been implemented have reported a dramatic drop in violence.
Open Family youth worker Les Twentyman said an intensive education campaign was required to change attitudes.
"It's working with road safety and it's the next step here," he said.
A weapons buyback should also be considered to help demonstrate that carrying weapons is not acceptable, he said.
11/08/2003
By MARY PAPADAKIS and CARLY CRAWFORD
Victoria, Australia
TEENAGE gangs have vowed to defy new weapons laws by carrying samurai swords, machetes and butcher's knives in public.
As authorities move to stem the rising tide of bloody gang violence with tougher laws, teenagers from the western suburbs have promised to fight on with a frightening cache of deadly weapons.
They say they carry the weapons to defend themselves from rival gangs who try to sell drugs on their turf.
Many would rather pay a fine than risk death by facing a mob brawl unarmed.
Fabian (not his real name), 16, never leaves his house without a 50cm samurai sword concealed in a case down the inside of his pants. He has used it twice in the past two years, he said.
"You don't want to use it, but it comes down to whether you get stabbed or he does," he said.
His friend Nathan (not his real name), 17, claims weapons are vital for defending his gang's position in the drug market around St Albans.
"The reason why people fight for the area is because, if you run an area, people come to you to buy drugs, and when you're selling drugs you've got money to buy better weapons to protect yourself with," Nathan said.
Samurai swords and machetes were easily accessible, he said, and cost anywhere between $80 and $200.
He said he could cover a minor fine by selling the party drug ice. His gang also gatecrashed parties to steal electronic equipment to cover the costs.
"The fines aren't much and you can pay it easy," Nathan said.
But Police Minister Andre Haermeyer said the new laws carried tougher sanctions than many people thought.
"The penalties can be quite severe and I think they'll be surprised," he said.
Last month, police were given 480 metal detectors and new powers allowing them to search anyone they suspect of carrying a weapon.
Under the amended Control of Weapons Act, those who refuse a search can be fined up to $3000. Those caught with a weapon face fines of up to $12,000 and possible jail.
"The police are following this up as a major issue, but attitudes are not going to change overnight," said Mr Haermeyer.
He said armed attacks commonly involved males aged 16 to 25. "They arm themselves because they think it's tough and . . . because they're brain dead," he said.
His comments followed the stabbing death of Quang Minh Tran, 19, outside the Salt nightclub in South Yarra early yesterday morning.
Nightclubs in regional Victoria where curfews have been implemented have reported a dramatic drop in violence.
Open Family youth worker Les Twentyman said an intensive education campaign was required to change attitudes.
"It's working with road safety and it's the next step here," he said.
A weapons buyback should also be considered to help demonstrate that carrying weapons is not acceptable, he said.
