Community leaders in WA's Kimberley are scrambling to contain rising racial tensions being fuelled by a surge in break-ins, vandalism and assaults by children as young as 10.

Key points: Kimberley towns have been hit by a wave of youth crime

Kimberley towns have been hit by a wave of youth crime This has increased racial tension in many towns as people vent their anger online

This has increased racial tension in many towns as people vent their anger online Community groups say the underlying social issues behind the crime need to be addressed

Youth crime is not a new problem in Kimberley towns, but business owners say the current level of violence and damage caused by children wandering the streets is unprecedented.

Lisa Spackman, who owns a backpacker hostel and laundromat in Kununurra, found out firsthand how serious the situation had become earlier this year when she was attacked by a group of children who had trespassed on her property.

"It takes a lot to rattle me, but I was rattled, upset, crying, because it was really scary," Ms Spackman said.

"Kununurra is a beautiful place, it has been my home for 28 years and I love it, but the fact we have a group in our community that don't respect people is a huge concern and it's making it hard to do business.

"The racism between Aboriginal and white is getting worse.

"The gap is getting so much bigger. It's unfortunate because it shouldn't be that way."

Fears of vigilante justice

Statistics show burglaries have increased by 33 per cent in the Kimberley in the past eight years. The number of car thefts has doubled.

Police say the majority of the crimes are being committed by a relatively small group of boys aged between 10 and 16, comprising about 90 prolific offenders across the region.

Some local residents have vented their anger and frustration on social media.

One Kununurra resident posted a photo of the blood of a burglar smeared on his fence after, it appears his dog attacked the intruder.

Late last year, a nurse in Broome was stood down from his job following a rant on a community Facebook page that threatened violence against children who were breaking into homes in the town.

Youth Worker Montana Ah Won, who runs government-funded programs for the aid agency Save the Children, said some residents were not seeing the bigger picture.

Youth worker Montana Ah Won (in red) says only a small percentage of children are involved in crime. ( ABC News: Erin Parke )

"Some people have got every right to be angry at some of the stuff the kids have done, but not to that extreme to the point they think about taking things into their own hands.

"That's what we're scared of, we don't want anything happening like Kalgoorlie, something that bad."

The riot seen in the Goldfields city of Kalgoorlie following the death of Elijah Doughty in 2016 has underlined the pressing need for answers to youth crime in towns across WA's north.

Problems begin at home

Despite the challenges, there is general consensus that the misbehaviour of local children is often a symptom of entrenched dysfunction at home.

"People are quick to blame the kids that are bad, but then they don't know the kids don't have the support at home," Ms Ah Won said.

"They don't have a bed to go back to, so they just see these kids mucking up, being bad but they don't see the other side to it.

The children themselves agreed, saying many didn't understand the home life some of them were dealing with.

Kimberley teenagers (from left) Rikeisha Webster, Rexalea Webster and Leonardo Gore say children are usually on the streets because of trouble at home. ( ABC News: Erin Parke )

"I think they're having trouble with their family, and that's why they do that stuff," teenager Rexalea Webster said.

"They just do whatever they want to do and don't listen to their parents … they don't go to school.

"They just walk the streets and steal for a living.

"But I think deep down most of them are okay, they just got no ears and don't know what to do."

Attempts to defuse tensions

The State Government has stated previously it was committed to finding solutions, but on a recent visit to the region Premier Mark McGowan would not be drawn on plans for an alternative juvenile justice facility for the region.

Under the existing system, young offenders have to be flown to detention in Perth.

Community leaders have been trying their best to defuse tensions. The East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry has organised a weekly barbecue in Kununurra to bring children and business owners together.

Kununurra police and business owners host a barbecue for local children to try to build relationships and reduce crime. ( ABC News: Erin Parke )

Police Inspector Greg Crofts said the 80 local children who have turned up so far had signed a pledge not to break into homes or businesses.

"It's a chance for the business owners to connect with the children and vice versa, because what we find is that if the kids have a connection with someone or something, they show respect to them," he said.

East Kimberley police inspector Greg Crofts is working with local businesses to build relationships and reduce crime. ( ABC News: Erin Parke )

"What we're finding is the good kids are telling the bad kids to be good.

"The benefit we've seen is a reduction in broken windows and [burglaries] in town, and the change has become quite evident."

Healing place for families

Miriuwung Gajerrong Corporation chairman Lawford Benning said it was crucial to have local input into new diversion or justice programs in the region.

In July, Mr Benning presented the Premier with a proposal that had the support of local Aboriginal people.

The program would address the wellbeing and trauma of local families rather than just the bad behaviour of the younger generation.

"We have the answers locally, and we can bring that love and attention that will benefit our children," Mr Benning said.

"What we are talking about is having a centre in Kununurra, and rather than calling it 'detention', something more like a family-orientated healing place or space, where that then incorporates all other clinical, psychology and cultural support and nurturing."