Panthers help local police tackle anti-social behaviour

Penrith Panthers stars Tim Grant, Clint Newton, Lachlan Coote and Sam McKendry took to the streets in St. Mary's Local Area Command, as the police launched 'Operation Enough' on Friday and Saturday nights.

This operation targeted alcohol-related crime, anti-social behaviour, and public order incidents involving local youth. The Panthers players were asked to come along to assist police in a mentoring role, talking to the kids about the choices they were making, and hopefully helping to set them on the right path.

Acting Superintendent Jason Green says "While we've seen significant success during Operation Enough over the past two years, we've been looking for ways to break through the barrier with these kids."

"The Penrith Panthers are easily recognisable by our local kids, and most of them really look up to them, so we asked the players to come along and help us set the kids straight."

Among the players was Clint Newton, who said it was an honour to wear the Panthers logo out in the community as he and his team mates tried to reach out to the kids.

"It was in your face so when you get to see it first hand, not just reading about it in the paper, it hits you a lot more. You get to see how many youths are out in the streets unsupervised, and probably the most disheartening thing is that the police are probably having to do their job and that of a parent too."

"It was extremely sad to see some of the kids there...alll you wanted to do was to give them a hug or take them home and give them a nice family meal, because you can see that's what they're lacking."

"I think one of the main messages to come out of it was that parents need to look after their children".