Multiple truck drivers have been attacked or experienced close calls in the northern NSW town of Boggabilla over the past few weeks, Big Rigs understands.
Gangs of youths have been targeting truckies, with some drivers claiming police told them “not to stop” in the rural area, which is close to the border with Queensland.
The Shell truck stop at Boggabilla, which was the scene of an attack on a truck driver last year, is believed to be a particularly “dangerous” spot.
Truckie Jimmy Faulkner said he was lucky to escape the town unharmed recently after two cars tried to box him in.
“They tried to block me in at the boot,” he said. “I crossed the road onto the northbound side – as I indicated a bit early, they thought I was pulling over.
“One car did a U-turn to come in behind, but I kept going to the T intersection.
“Another car then raced behind the bowlo, and I only just beat him past the back road, where he came out behind me. Hit the skids and turned around!”
A spokesperson for NSW Police told Big Rigs that they are working to combat youth crime in Boggabilla.
“Operation Regional Mongoose was launched in September last year throughout the western region,” they said.
“It is a high-visibility police operation to tackle serious property-related crime committed predominately by young offenders.
“Police will continue to work towards meeting the expectations of the local community to increase their safety and will continue to engage the community of Boggabilla to identify and address concerns that may exist or arise from time to time in the township.”
The spokesperson said that the New England Police District covers the Boggabilla area, providing a 24/7 response with a “consistent and well-resourced complement of local officers to ensure the community has the best possible policing response and is equipped to meet local needs.”
They added: “Boggabilla Police Station is also supported by other regional and specialist resources when community needs arise.
“They are also supported by officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and have a full-time Aboriginal Liaison Officer based in Boggabilla.”
Youth crime in the areas of Boggabilla and Goondiwindi, which is about 9km away and just over the border in Queensland, has been a problem for years.
However, a spate of vehicle thefts, property crime incidents and street brawls have caused the towns to hit the headlines again recently, with concerns over “increasing violence” in the towns.
NSW Police explained that the cross-border nature of some offences can complicate matters.
“Police in Boggabilla are recognised law enforcement officers of Queensland Police, and Goondiwindi Police are recognised law enforcement officers of NSW Police,” they said. “This allows them to exercise all police powers across borders.
“The challenge arises in the event of offenders being arrested across borders which require a formal extradition to enable them to be prosecuted in the state in which the offence was committed.
“Boggabilla and Goondiwindi Police work very closely together on a daily basis to address cross border crime issues.
“Due to suitable housing availability in Boggabilla, officers attached to Boggabilla Police Station reside 9km away in Goondiwindi.”
Viva Energy, which owns and operates the Shell-branded service stations in Australia, has been contacted for comment.
Read more: Where are the people paid to look after drivers’ safety?
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