Youth Crime Crackdown: Covert Tactics Against Teen Offenders

In this interview on The Today Show, former NSW police officer Luke Taylor discusses how police are escalating efforts to combat youth crime using covert intelligence tactics, a strategy once reserved for gang-related investigations.

An Escalation in Policing

NSW police are stepping up their response to youth crime by applying covert intelligence techniques that were traditionally used against organised gangs.

“These are very serious and violent crimes,” Luke explains. “Police are moving from reactive policing to covert intelligence and covert actions. They’re stepping in proactively rather than waiting for the public to be endangered further.”

Preventative Measures and Resourcing Challenges

While the strategy is preventative in nature, Luke points out that its success depends heavily on resources.

“Intelligence is only useful if you have the manpower to act on it,” he says. “We’ve heard about real-time intelligence, but getting officers to the right place at the right time requires huge staffing and costs, all while maintaining the police’s core responsibilities.”

The ‘Post and Boast’ Phenomenon

A major factor fuelling youth crime is the rise of “post and boast” behaviour, where offenders share their crimes online for attention.

“These young people are digital natives, but they’re end users. They don’t know how to remove their digital footprint, so police can catch up to them,” Luke explains.

He describes this craving for instant gratification as part of a deeper societal issue:

 “This generation is substituting crime for what they’re missing in life, whether that’s work ethic, school engagement, or stability. It’s similar to drug or alcohol addiction. They’re chasing their 15 minutes of fame.”



The Role of Social Media Platforms

When asked about the responsibility of tech companies, Luke was clear:

“Social media giants will never do enough. There’s too much money involved. Australia is a small market globally, so they’re not going to listen.”

Conclusion

Youth crime in NSW is a growing challenge, and police are adopting new covert methods to get ahead of offenders. But as Luke Taylor notes, it will take more than policing alone; schools, communities, and tech companies all have a role to play.

Watch the full interview above for Luke’s insights on how law enforcement is adapting to this new wave of youth crime.