Police query victims on mandatory sentencing

Source: AAP|Published: Tuesday August 22, 12:56 PM

Northern Territory police give burglary victims the impression that if
they don't support mandatory sentencing, the crimes won't be
investigated, it was claimed today.

Two burglary victims told ABC radio today that police investigating
break-ins questioned home owners about their view of mandatory
sentencing, under which offenders are jailed for property crimes.

Darwin city councillor John Bailey said police asked his wife Margo
whether she was aware that a burglary at their home last week
carried a mandatory sentence.

She told police she did not support mandatory sentencing. A detective
later said the break-in might not in be investigated, Mr Bailey
told ABC radio.

A caller, who identified herself as Catherine, said police also
questioned her on her attitude towards mandatory sentencing when they
attended a break-in at her home.

'They were there quickly but as soon as I said I wasn't a supporter of
mandatory sentencing, they really gave me the impression that
they didn't want to know,' she told ABC.

'I feel really, really cheated.'

Police Minister Mike Reed said he doubted questioning householders about
mandatory sentencing was widespread.

But the opposition called for an Ombudsman's investigation into police
procedures.
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