Elderly Couple Fearful After Violent Break-In: Moree Town Grappling with Youth Crime Surge

An elderly retired couple in Moree, Noel Smith, 85, and his wife Marcia, are reeling from a violent break-in that left them bruised and traumatized, sparking fears in the community.

The incident, part of a concerning surge in youth crime in Moree, saw intruders smashing the couple’s doors and assaulting Noel in an attempt to rob their home.

Noel, recounting the harrowing experience, described being overpowered by the young invaders while trying to protect his wife with a kitchen stool, sustaining injuries in the process.

Marcia, emotionally scarred from the ordeal, shared her ongoing fear and sleepless nights, constantly checking locks and doors in dread of a return.

The couple’s granddaughter, Tayla, revealed this was not the first intrusion on their property, highlighting the repeated nature of the attacks.

Mayor Mark Johnson expressed community frustration, attributing 63% of local crime to individuals released on bail, with break-and-enter offenses in Moree skyrocketing to 840% above the state average last year.

Addressing the underlying issue, Indigenous leader Darrel Smith emphasized the generational aspect of crime and the importance of providing youth with education and purpose.

Darrel’s organization, Miyay Birray, is tackling the problem by offering training and skills development to young men, aiming to break the cycle of crime in Moree.

In response to the crisis, NSW Premier Chris Minns is implementing a trial of new bail laws targeting youth offenders in Moree, seeking to address the escalating youth crime problem in the town.