One person's fears of teenage thugs in black Metallica T-shirts typified a day of mixed reactions over widespread juvenile crime in Tuggeranong, reported The Canberra Times on this day 31 years ago.
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The report warned of a juvenile Metallica cult involved in criminal offences.
It drew comment from politicians, community groups, residents and Tuggeranong business operators.
Youths telephoned The Canberra Times to defend heavy metal music and T-shirts, while youth worker groups described the report as "irresponsible, inaccurate and sensationalist".
An Oxley woman, said she was sick and tired of the nine- to 12-year-olds terrorising the suburbs late at night.
She said neighbours were desperate over a series of house break-ins and vandalism. She said that she had disturbed youths who were trying to break in to her neighbour's house.
Her own car had been badly damaged by vandals.
The woman said she had been disgusted after seeing 14-year-old boys staggering along her road drunk about 3am.
It was a common sight in Tuggeranong to see the boys in their black Metallica T-shirts and blue jeans. But Declan Morgan,17, of Rivett, said there were no satanic verses in Metallica music.
