The moral panic behind the Apex gang and youth crime
Ever since a small group of disengaged and lawless Victorian teens first formed the now defunct Apex gang around 2014, the traditionally sedate city of Melbourne has found itself making national and international headlines for all the wrong reasons, and many everyday citizens have been left breathlessly asking:
Whatever happened to marvellous Melbourne?'
The Apex gang's activities burst into the public debate when a frightening street riot erupted during the family-friendly Moomba celebrations in March 2016.
While there are those who argue resolutely that Melbourne is in the midst of a youth gang crisis and crime wave, their passionate opponents point to a declining crime rate and suggest that a moral panic has evolved in response to disproportionate news reports.
About the only thing that is agreed upon is that these dangerous problems facing the community are not exclusively policing issues.
In Melbourne Under Siege? Dr Brian Williams attempts to unravel how the Apex and youth crime situation emerged and offers up some steps for the future.