Answers to Questions

PORT AUGUSTA GANGS

In reply to the Hon. G.M. GUNN (Stuart) (5 June 2008).

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Federal/State Relations): The Minister for Police has provided the following information:

Early on Sunday morning 1 June 2008, police were advised by the South Australia Ambulance Service (SAAS) of two men having been assaulted.

Port Augusta police commenced a comprehensive investigation. With the support of the entire Port Augusta community and local media outlets police investigations over the following five days led to the arrest of four individuals whose ages ranged from 14 to 23 years.

Whilst police investigations have revealed that the two victims were not known to the offenders, police intelligence holdings do not support the presence of youth gangs in Port Augusta. This assault appears to have been a random act and the charges laid by police will be subject to the normal range of court processes.

Crime in the Port Augusta area traditionally follows seasonal trends and peaks over the summer months. Victim reported crime, assaults in public areas and offences against public order in the Port Augusta area have all shown a downward trend over the period June 2006 to May 2008.