Aboriginal youths ‘involved in a string of car thefts and robberies’ were sent to an $600-a-night hotel in Melbourne to meet footy stars and watch an NRL game – all paid for by YOU
- Police program that took four offenders on trip to Melbourne has been slammed
- Four youths were allegedly involved in car thefts and robberies in Sydney’s west
- They were driven to the Indigenous All Stars rugby league game in February
- During their stay they were put up in the four star Sky High apartments
Four youths allegedly involved in a string of brazen car thefts and robberies were handed tickets to a football game in Melbourne last month as part of a police program.
The boys were put up in a four-star hotel, which is advertised for as much as $599 a night for a two-bedroom apartment, after being driven from Sydney to Melbourne for the Indigenous All Stars rugby league match in February, according to 7News.
The four teenage criminals stayed in the Skyhigh apartments during their three-day trip, and trained with the indigenous team before enjoying the clash.
The group had reportedly been involved in a series of luxury car thefts, which they allegedly used to ram raid shops in Mt Druitt, Sydney, according to the publication.
NSW Police have defended the taxpayer-funded program, saying it is one of a number that provide valuable opportunities for at risk youth.
Four youths allegedly involved in a string of brazen car thefts (pictured) and robberies were handed tickets to a football game in Melbourne last month as part of a police program
‘Community engagement programs create alternate pathways and goals for Aboriginal youth, diverting them away from criminal activity,’ a NSW Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
‘The young people were selected in recognition of their commitment, conduct, teamwork, attendance and attitude. The diversion program is voluntarily attended.’
One Nation recruit Mark Latham slammed the police diversion program on Monday, calling it a misallocation of resources.
‘This is state government policy for steal a car, ram raid a shop, steal the contents, and win a free trip to the footy in Melbourne,’ Mr Latham said.
Councilor Brad Bunting of Blacktown City Council disagreed, claiming ‘programs getting youths out and about and contributing to the community rather than throwing them into jail’ are much needed.
The offenders were put up in a luxury four star hotel after being driven from Sydney to Melbourne for the Indigenous All Stars rugby league match in February (pictured)
However, Mr Latham, who is currently campaigning for a seat in the NSW upper house with One Nation, said the outreach programs are misguided.
‘If people think they’re going to close down crime by rewarding criminals, no matter their age, no matter their race, it’s just wrong-headed thinking,’ he said.
The funding for the trip was reportedly provided by an Aboriginal Strategic Direction steering committee grant.
Aboriginal Strategic Direction is a policy organised and implemented by NSW Police aimed at reducing over-representation of Indigenous people in the justice system.