NSW: Police fear triads involved in school extortion racket.

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-2000
NSW: Police fear triads involved in school extortion racket.

Police have uncovered what they fear may be a triad-related extortion racket targeting
thousands of high school students on Sydney's north shore.

Police sources say that in one instance, gang members are alleged to have employed
violent threats to obtain cash and mobile phones from up to 400 pupils at Chatswood's
St Pius X College.

Chatswood High School has raised similar concerns that students are being preyed on
as part of a gang recruitment drive.

Other complaints have been raised with police by head masters at Mosman, Forrestville
and Manly, all related to pupils being stood over at Chatswood while travelling to and
from classes.

Chatswood Mayor PAT REILLY says that young people are being intimidated on the way
home from school for cash or for product return.

Cr REILLY says police have been fielding an increasing number of complaints, but their
investigations are being hampered by both students and parents unwilling to press charges.

To date, investigators have identified incidents involving at least eight alleged victims.





With 32 schools in the local area and more than 120 high schools with pupils who pass
through the neighbourhood each day, police fear they may have only scratched the surface
of what could be a widespread racket.

Noted criminologist Dr RICHARD BASHAM says he believes police are dealing with something
that has all the hallmarks of organised extortion.

AAP RTV jk/jn

KEYWORD: EXTORTION (SYDNEY)

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