Bruce Read
THE three young boys accused of vandalising Tamworth’s The Atrium shopping centre last weekend are yet to come forward and own up to the crime.
The Atrium’s managing director Bruce Read has vowed to name and shame them this week, by uploading CCTV footage of them online, after they were seen running amok through the centre two Sundays ago, before causing $5000 worth of damage to the centre’s rear exit.
“There’s no sign of them – they need to step up to the plate and apologise,” Mr Read said.
“We don’t want to crucify the kids but we need to make them understand there is a price to pay.”
A metropolitan news crew from Channel 7 came to interview the businessman yesterday for their program, Today Tonight, which will air nationally later this week.
Mr Read said they asked questions to local community members about his decision to expose the juveniles, even though it could prove illegal if they make it to court, and many agreed with him.
“People are still positive about my decision and that shows how fed up they really are,” he said.
Since The Leader reported on Mr Read’s decision to expose the youths last week, community members have continued to come forward and pledge their support for the businessman.
Mr Read said police had also contacted him yesterday to see what else could be done in the ongoing investigation against the boys – all believed to be under 14 – thought to be responsible.
Oxley Local Area Command crime manager Inspector Phil O’Reilly confirmed the case was still under police investigation.
Inspector O’Reilly said police were in the process of identifying the accused youths.