BIDYADANGA RESIDENTS COMPLAIN AFTER THE ONLY STORE IN A 185KM RADIUS CLOSED DUE TO A CRIME SPREE.

(Source: ABC) Bidyadanga Store was closed to all residents due to crime spree

Bidyadanga residents have complained after the only local shop in a 185km radius was closed to all residents due to youth stealing.

The decision was made to close the store until all stolen items were returned. Stolen items include cigarettes and phones.

People online have complained the decision was a form of collective punishment and against human rights.

Karajarri man Mr Mervyn Mulardy, commented that not only the culprits are being punished, but the whole community.

(Source: Facebook) Karajarri man, Mervyn Mulardy.

“There were people complaining to me that they were hungry and needed to buy food. This is the only shop in this Bidyadanga community and that shop is survival for this mob”.

Mr Mulardy said that Bidyadanga needs more funding for children programs, as they get up to mischief when they are bored.

“I would like to see programs that take children camping on the country to learn cultural dance, stories, hunting would be a way to stop the cycle of youth crime”.

Bidyadanga Police says there has been a spike in youth crime in the area, and police are running their own community programs to keep youth engaged.

Bidyadanga Aborgignal Community La Grange Inc. has declined to comment.