Junior leavers on Rottnest Island: Police warn of increased police presence ahead of end of year celebrations

Police have warned teenagers planning to celebrate “junior leavers” on Rottnest Island they will face the consequences for anti-social or criminal behaviour after the riot squad was last year called in to quell hundreds of unruly teens. On Monday, police revealed there would be an increased police presence on the island this summer to deter drunken and disorderly behaviour from rowdy teenagers marking the end of the school year. Junior leavers is an unofficial end-of-year celebration for high school students in Years 10 and 11. Guests holidaying on the island between December 5 and 16 this year have received an email from the Rottnest Island Authority, warning they were “visiting at a time when the island has previously experienced anti-social behaviour from adolescents”. During the event in December last year, authorities were forced to call in the riot squad after reports of disruptive behaviour from hundreds of teenagers — including reports of several officers being pelted with bottles. Police issued 55 eviction notices, and investigated several reported assaults, including on a 40-year-old man, who was allegedly pushed off his bicycle by a group of teens. Rottnest Island officer-in-charge Sergeant Michael Wear on Monday warned police would take “swift action” against any young troublemakers wreaking havoc across the island. “We want everyone to feel safe on Rottnest Island,” he said. “Those who think they can create disorder will be met with firm enforcement — our officers are prepared and will take swift action to keep Rottnest a safe place for everyone to enjoy. “We ask parents to take responsibility for their children and ensure they are not engaging in violent or antisocial behaviour that puts themselves and others at risk.” Local officers will also be supported by the State Operations Command Centre to monitor any real-time incidents. Police Minister Reece Whitby urged parents to speak with their kids about good behaviour. “Parents must play an active role in ensuring their children understand the importance of responsible behaviour, so I urge them to remind their children before they travel to Rottnest Island that their actions have consequences,” he said. “The increased police presence sends a clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, specifically during ‘junior leavers, and officers will be highly visible to ensure the safety of all people on the island.” The letter to Rottnest Island guests warns that with the conclusion of the school year, from December 5-16, the authority anticipates anti-social behaviours, particularly among adolescents who may gather in large groups and engage in disruptive actions. “Rottnest Island Authority advises that this is not a sanctioned event, and we wish to notify guests to be aware of these circumstances prior to their arrival,” the letter states. “To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all visitors, during your stay you will seen an increased presence of CCTV, rangers, police after-hours officers and security personnel during this period. “Personal safety is a shared responsibility between all members of our community including every individual who visits the island.” The Rottnest Island Authority have been contacted for comment.