A NSW retirement village says its residents ‘no longer feel safe’ in their homes after young e-bike riders have allegedly caused trouble in the area for several months.
Tarragal Glen Retirement Village in Erina on the Central Coast described the situation as ‘out of control’ in a recent post on Facebook.
It said the kids had allegedly been hurling abuse at retirees and riding dangerously through the community.
‘We have a gang of e-bike riders coming through our village each afternoon, antagonising residents and damaging property,’ the post read.
‘The language they use when you approach them is disgusting.
‘Something seriously needs to be done before one of our residents is knocked over, badly or fatally injured by one of these e-bikes.’
The village also recalled some of the acts allegedly carried out by the youngsters, including one incident where a resident’s dog was threatened by name.
‘Village staff had things thrown at their cars and had [e-bike] riders heading straight for them at a generous speed.
Tarragal Glen Retirement Village in Erina on the Central Coast described the situation as ‘out of control’ in a recent post on Facebook
‘One afternoon, the teenagers decided to ride their bikes onto the residents’ bowling green performing wheelies and skidding until it was damaged.
‘They were knocking on residents’ doors and asking for a drink of water, and when the residents obliged and returned, they laughed in their face and rode away.’
The post added that the alleged antisocial behaviour had been ‘frightening’ for residents.
‘Our elderly residents no longer feel safe in their own homes,’ it said.
‘It’s just criminal that these elderly people have to live in fear like this.’
Senior village manager Jodie Shelly told Yahoo News that the situation had ‘escalated dramatically’.
‘There are 12 and 13-year-old kids out of control, like it’s just ludicrous,’ she said.
‘We have installed brand new gates that cost over $100,000 to assist with keeping them out, and now they have also broken these.’
The post said the kids had allegedly been hurling abuse at retirees and riding dangerously through the community
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Ms Shelly has called for more police patrols, particularly in the afternoons, but said the village has received little support from authorities.
However, she said the community has received a bit of respite in the past week, with the number of incidents falling since the post.
Ms Shelly added the post had also reportedly helped local schools identify some of the riders.
A NSW Police spokesman told Daily Mail aware of social media posts regarding the antisocial behavior and said investigations were underway.
‘Police are urging anyone with information that relates – including mobile phone/dashcam or CCTV footage – to contact Brisbane Water Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,’ he said.
The Daily Mail has contacted Tarragal Glen Retirement Village for comment.
