The Birthplace of Sydneyโs Crime Culture, GLEBE 2037 - Into The Hood
Summary
TLDRThe video script offers a raw and immersive look into the gritty realities and cultural nuances of life in the inner city suburb of Glebe, Sydney. It features personal stories of individuals who have experienced the area's criminal underbelly, including home invasions, drug use, and the impact of the criminal justice system. The narrator, a former prisoner, shares his journey through the neighborhood, highlighting its transformation from a notorious housing estate to a place grappling with gentrification. The video also touches on the influence of the area on broader Australian criminal culture, the challenges faced by older residents, and the resilience of the community amidst a backdrop of social and economic change.
Takeaways
- ๐ฎ The area of GLE in Sydney is historically significant, having a reputation for crime and being influential in shaping the criminal culture of Sydney and, by extension, Australia.
- ๐๏ธ GLE features various housing styles, from large tower blocks to heritage townhouses, reflecting its diverse architectural and social history.
- ๐ The neighborhood has experienced high crime rates, including armed robberies and gang activities, making it a notorious part of Sydney.
- ๐ฅ The community in GLE is tightly-knit, with strong influences from older generations shaping the younger ones' perceptions and behaviors.
- ๐ ๏ธ Recent developments and gentrification have transformed some parts of GLE, replacing older housing estates with new apartments and changing the community dynamic.
- ๐จ The area has a strong cultural expression, evident from street art and murals that highlight local identities and heritage.
- ๐ Residents have mixed feelings about the new developments; some appreciate the modernization, while others miss the old community spirit and character.
- ๐ฒ There's a notable issue with theft and vandalism, particularly concerning rental bikes and scooters in the area.
- ๐ฎโโ๏ธ Local policing and community safety measures have been topics of concern, with efforts to curb the high crime rates occasionally mentioned.
- ๐ The narrative also touches on personal stories of residents dealing with crime, reflecting broader social issues within GLE.
Q & A
What is the significance of the term 'GLE' in the context of the transcript?
-GLE refers to Glebe, a suburb in Sydney, Australia, which is the main focus of the transcript. It is depicted as an area with a rich, albeit complex, history and culture, known for its influence on the broader criminal culture in Sydney and beyond.
How has the speaker's experience of living in Sydney's housing areas influenced their perspective?
-The speaker's experience of growing up in Sydney's housing areas, particularly in Glebe, has shaped their understanding of the local culture and criminal activities. They have a deep connection to the area and its people, and they highlight the influence of older boys from GLE on the broader criminal culture in Sydney.
What is the significance of the 'Coke sign' in GLE?
-The 'Coke sign' is an iconic symbol in GLE, representing the area's identity. It is a reference to the neighborhood's nickname, 'Coke,' and is a point of pride for the locals. The speaker mentions their involvement in creating this sign, which has become a recognizable feature of the suburb.
What is the current state of housing in GLE according to the transcript?
-The housing in GLE has undergone significant changes. The old Housing Commission houses are being replaced by high-quality, expensive properties, with some valued at around $10 million each. This has led to a shift in the demographics and a sense of nostalgia among the older residents for the 'realness' of the old Housing Commission style.
How does the speaker describe the current crime situation in GLE?
-The speaker describes a recent upsurge in crime, with statistics indicating that crimes in general are over triple the state average, violent crimes are just under triple, and property crimes are almost four times the state average. There is mention of a new generation of young individuals involved in criminal activities, and incidents of home invasions and gang activities.
What is the role of the 'YUI' in the GLE community?
-The 'YUI' or Glebe Youth Inc. is described as a second home for the youth in GLE. It is a place where they used to receive support, food, and a sense of community. The speaker highlights the importance of the YUI in helping the youth and being a hub for social interaction and assistance.
What is the significance of the term 'digital Dodger'?
-The term 'digital Dodger' is used to describe someone who avoids confrontation or responsibility by hiding behind digital means, such as social media or online communication. It is a play on words combining 'digital' with the concept of dodging or avoiding issues.
How does the speaker reflect on the changes in the GLE area over time?
-The speaker reflects on the changes in GLE with a mix of nostalgia and realism. They acknowledge the transformation from a rough, crime-ridden area to a more gentrified neighborhood with new apartments and a different demographic. However, they also recognize the ongoing issues and the resilience of the community.
What is the attitude of the older residents towards the new developments in GLE?
-The older residents, as represented by the speaker and others they mention, have a conflicted attitude towards the new developments. They appreciate the old, authentic feel of the Housing Commission-style homes and the sense of community they fostered, but also acknowledge the inevitability of change and the potential benefits of new housing.
What is the impact of the criminal culture on the identity of GLE?
-The criminal culture has a significant impact on the identity of GLE. It is seen as a central part of the suburb's history and is even mentioned as influential on a national level. The speaker discusses the normalization of criminal activities in the past and how it shaped the local culture and the perception of GLE both within and outside the community.
How does the speaker describe the community's response to the issues faced by GLE?
-The speaker describes a community that is aware of its issues but also one that is resilient and protective of its identity. There are efforts to clean up the area and improve the situation, such as the work done by the YUI and the community's response to violence and antisocial behavior. However, there is also a sense of frustration with the authorities and the legal system.
Outlines
๐๏ธ Housing and Crime in Sydney's Inner City
The speaker discusses their experiences growing up in Sydney's housing areas and the influence of the older boys from GLE (Glebe) on the city's criminal culture. They mention the high rates of armed robbers and ram raids in GLE and the transformation of old housing commissions into expensive heritage homes. The paragraph also covers the recent resurgence of crime and gang activity in the area.
๐ School Days and Local Influences
The speaker reminisces about growing up and attending GLE High, identifying more with the crew and friends rather than the actual neighborhood of upbringing. They talk about meeting a famous TikToker from the area, who has experienced the local culture and legal troubles. The paragraph also describes the iconic sign of GLE and the impact of losing a close friend to suicide.
๐ The Notoriety of GLE and Its Criminal Past
The speaker reflects on the reputation of GLE for car thefts, bank robberies, and its role as a cultural hub for criminal activities not just in Sydney, but across New South Wales and Australia. They describe the architectural style of housing in GLE and the notorious 'Glass City' nickname due to the prevalence of smashed windows and cars.
๐ต Elderly Perspectives on GLE's Transformation
An elderly resident of GLE shares her experiences of living in the area for 37 years, discussing the challenges of housing commission life, incidents of home invasion, and the lack of support from authorities. She contrasts the old GLE, with its strong sense of community, with the newer developments and the impact on the local identity.
๐๏ธ Nostalgia and the Changing Face of GLE
The speaker and a 79-year-old woman from GLE express their nostalgia for the old Housing Commission style of the area, decrying the new apartment buildings that have sprung up. They discuss the multicultural nature of GLE, with a strong Aboriginal presence, and the pride that residents have for their neighborhood, as evidenced by murals and local landmarks.
๐ค๏ธ Exploring GLE's Back Lanes and Cultural Shifts
The speaker takes a walk through the back lanes of GLE, noting the changes in the area and the different types of housing. They discuss the local pub, which has shifted from a rough hangout to a more gentrified spot, and the impact of these changes on the community's cultural identity.
๐ดโโ๏ธ Freewheeling in GLE: Bikes and Motorbikes
The speaker talks about the local methods of getting around GLE, from motorbikes to rental bikes, highlighting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of residents when it comes to transportation. They also discuss the memorial for local individuals, the cultural significance of the area, and the prevalence of Aboriginal art and community centers.
๐๏ธ Motorbikes, Scooters, and the Evolution of Transport
The speaker and a friend discuss the evolution of transportation in GLE, from motor scooters to electric scooters and the impact on the community. They talk about the changes in the area, the speaker's experiences with law enforcement, and the importance of family and art in their lives.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กHome Invasion
๐กInner City
๐กCriminal Culture
๐กHousing Commission
๐กDrugs and Crime
๐กGang Activity
๐กHeritage Home
๐กCommunity Influence
๐กUrban Renewal
๐กCultural Identity
๐กLaw Enforcement
Highlights
The speaker discusses their experience of having their home invaded twice, highlighting the issue of mistaken identity and the impact on personal safety.
A narrative about growing up in Sydney's housing areas and spending a significant portion of life in prison, reflecting on the challenges and the transition back into society.
Footage of a teenage gang causing disturbances in an inner-city area, emphasizing the rise in crime rates and the response from law enforcement.
The transformation of Sydney's suburbs, with a focus on GLE, from notorious housing estates to areas with high-quality heritage homes valued at millions.
The influence of Sydney's criminal culture on the rest of Australia, indicating the widespread adoption of Sydney's street culture beyond its city limits.
The speaker's personal connection to GLE, discussing the sense of identity and belonging that comes from being part of a crew and the local community.
A description of the changing landscape of GLE, including the rise in property values and the struggle between private developers and long-term residents.
The resurgence of crime in GLE, with recent news reports of gangs and violence, and the speaker's reflections on the new generation of individuals involved.
Statistics indicating that crimes in GLE are over triple the state average, with violent crimes nearly triple and property crimes almost four times the state average.
The importance of the iconic 'Coke' sign in GLE, symbolizing the area's identity and the speaker's personal history with it.
The impact of the loss of a close friend to suicide, the community's response, and the significance of the location where the tragedy occurred.
The use of 'Ary rocks' to break car windows, a common practice in the area, and the nickname's origin linked to spark plugs.
The speaker's account of the government's installation of rocks under trees throughout the city, which inadvertently facilitated car break-ins.
A discussion on the various types of housing in GLE, from towers to old school houses, reflecting the area's diverse architectural history.
The story of a local boxing coach and community member who contributed significantly to the area, including providing Christmas gifts to those in need.
The mention of a local's rise to fame through a viral TikTok video, showcasing the intersection of social media and community life.
The account of a recent event where a person ran into the speaker's mother's house while being chased by the police, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the area.
Transcripts
I've had two home Invaders you got home
invaded twice three bles on Ice the
second time they made a mistake they
wanted the dealers who live a bit
further up wrong house just lift it up
yeah what do you mean and now you can
ride it that's the move lad we all lose
your pride H your way inside if you run
away physical Warfare
psycholog just I'm spion oh was raised
in the housing areas of Sydney City
spent most of my youth and adult life in
prison and after a total of 13 years I'm
free and I'm out and about flying around
susing out the hoods all over the world
it's
[Music]
h we have shocking footage tonight of a
Teenage gang causing Mayhem on the
streets of Inner City glei Cafe workers
had to barric their doors a delivery
rider was cornered and bashed police
have shot dead a man in Sydney officers
were responding to welfare concerns in
Glee but were confronted by a
43-year-old armed with a knife a gang of
Thieves allegedly armed with assault
rifles and a pistol tried to rob an
armag guard fan outside the Broadway
Shopping Center in GLE all right
everyone welcome back into the hood
we're going to GLE blad we're going
abl we're doing another one of the hoods
in the inner city this is another Hood
in my area there's a few hoods in the
city right these were the first suburbs
of Sydney these were the first housing
Estates in Sydney and for a long long
time these were the infamous and worst
and biggest housing Estates of Sydney in
the criminal world in the jail system
it's a famous suburb that a lot of
criminals a lot of Originators the boys
from around here were all the same boys
waloo red firm watero Glee and in the
prison system we're all the same boys
right we're one crew Glee isn't the
biggest red firm water is the biggest
but there's something special about GLE
and I'll get into it the boys who were
older boys when I was a kid around GLE
were very influential and and I'm
telling you this from my experience and
anyone in Sydney this isn't a biased
thing boys who are proper boys from penr
who are OJ's boys from Campbell town
boys from bwood boys from bankstown
doesn't matter what part in Sydney
you're from will agree to what I'm
saying here the older boys from GLE that
I had the pleasure of being raised
around and looking up to were very
influential in shaping the culture the
criminal culture in the streets of
Sydney as a whole and New South Wales as
a whole and I dare say leading on from
that Australia as a whole because it's
known Australia wide that criminal
culture of Sydney City or Sydney in
general has been adopted all around
Australia there's people in Perth people
in Brisbane people in Adelaide I've been
a ho but there's people there been in
Melbourne there's people there who are
dressing and are walking and are talking
like the people from Sydney and that's
that's just the fact you might be upset
that I say that but that's the way it is
so in that sense a lot of what you see
going on around the country originated
in Sydney City and very specifically in
Glee a lot of it glee at one point in
time was the highest rate of armed
robbers bank robbers in Australia GLE at
one point in time was the highest rate
of ram Raiders in Australia Cruise of
boys getting around and that's that was
the thing in Glee it was a money-making
cultural style and so visually the way
the housing Estates are there's two
different styles in Sydney City so
there's the style of su Hills and watero
where it's all big towers and there's
the styles of red fern GLE and wuloo
where it's all houses it's all like town
houses but really really old school
houses nowadays each one of those houses
the funny thing has become a really high
quality Heritage home that's worth like
$10 million each or something crazy I'm
probably exaggerating it's crazy the
turnaround people are dying and to buy
old housing commissions in Sydney City
so you can understand with that going on
how much private developers are battling
and people in the government are pushing
to kick everyone out of these areas in
Housing Commission and sell them off for
crazy amounts of money and recently
Glee's been getting real bad again and I
mean recent recent like 3 4 days ago it
was on the news there was like gangs of
teenagers on the Main Street trying to
break in a store and just generally
harassing people but apparently it's
getting bad again like there's a whole
new generation of um young Lads coming
through running a big Mark I've got
statistics here these are recent this is
like last year's statistics just crimes
in general is over triple the state
average violent crimes is just under
triple the state average and property
crimes is almost four times the state
average even though I most identify with
Walo it's toed on my chest and that's on
the other side of the city if we walked
right instead of left having said that
this is actually where I grew up like my
family home this is where my mom lived
and this is where I went to school I
went to school in GLE high so yeah I
guess in a way this is actually most
where I'm from but you identify with
where you become one of the boys the
most and where where your crew is and
where all your best mates are and where
you kick back on the streets whether
that's two streets that way four streets
that way or the street you grew up on
you know what I mean the housing block I
grew up in which was the first of the
city west housing was down this Lane
through these Flats here and there's a
lane down there and that's the back that
was my back Lane so this here including
here this was my back Lane as a kid that
that's where my mom lived down there not
that I was there much but that was my
address when Paro asked wasn't
it and like from
here past this street that's GLE this is
the start of them this is them it begins
from
now these all government housing what
you doing I spotted one of the boys I'm
doing snipers on his on his house giving
the history lessons red what are you
doing just saying like when you leave
the city this is where the housing
starts yeah yeah and he's like I was
just showing him like the front of your
house and the i showing him the front of
his house where you going to see your
mom there yeah yeah M you been all right
yeah good good back from Tha did you
yeah yeah mad hey are kickboxing yeah
yeah mad BR later that's one of the boys
red blad that's one of the Glade boys
and this is the style of Housing
Commission that that is this is Sydney
City it's all the same same people same
streets different names that's all by
the way I don't know if I told you in
the intro but we're meeting one of the
boys from G Hing Hing he's a famous Tik
tocker now he's he's one of the Glade
boys plenty of jail been around it all
he's a little bit younger than me he's a
good generation under me but he's been
amongst it all grew up in G his whole
life in and out of the system got locked
up on some serious stuff beat some big
charges his older brother's one of the
main boys down here one of the old Trend
Setters back in the day and yeah we're
going to meet him nowadays he's a famous
Tik
tocker let's jump what you on time
reference Sunday 1:00 in the
AO I can see him there hey
there go
go holy let me start by saying this bro
like before we even get into it right
see all this here and see all of those
brand new units all the way up there
that until recently that was the worst
part of GLE yeah I used to live in El
Street when when we moov from the bush
we come down here this was back in 2006
bro we used to live here in El street so
this was my old Street Bar you know
we're missing Dead Set four five streets
of just trap flats that don't even exist
anymore they're all brand new apartments
good thing but little broken heart
memories eh right mad m
that's all I can say you know I only
sprung it on him 2 hours ago I buzzed
him 10 10 and he goes what do you want
you going to get a feed I go n into the
hood L he's like where
what so this this tell us this sign bar
this is Iconic if You' seen my my my
video ill or pretty much any video in
GLE that anyone's everever done this is
an iconic sign you wouldn't believe it
if I told you but I spray pain
this all done this me the we done this
back in the day so was it was it in
primary school was it the PC no this was
a YY so we done this back in the day
mean the boys we all done this so the
coke color sign is like the GLE sign you
know so you know gle's like Coke but you
know mean oh the Coke sign at the cross
yeah yeah yeah the Coke sign at the
cross this one just needs to light up
and then it says 2037 say the seven it
say say a 711 it say seven Reon you know
what me 2037 Reon instead of say 71 say
7 you know he M he mad it see say the 7
11
12 tumbo come chucked up on
it but tumbo is probably the only person
I was going to say that if it was anyone
else he'd be getting bashed if it was
anyone else but he's one of the O he's
one of the OG's proper OG's tumbo just
comes out I'm riding on it sorry bro you
can in GLE it's more this is the style
of of of housy but this just a oneof
yeah this is one one off right this one
eye R you know I lost one of one of my
best mates bro to this couple years ago
what what happened no he suicidal BR
jump off like I red from L yeah fair
enough bro like there's a lot of
buildings and this and that bro this is
the only one in Glade BR and this is
where he done it you know and so every
time he come down he BR you know sort of
hits us know mean bro big shout to
brother Lo love brother that's how it
happened I was going to ask bro but I
didn't want to Chuck his name out and be
disrespectful is that where is that
where it happened fire out bro yeah when
we come down here you know with the boys
and that we don't really we just keep
back here you know but don't really like
coming down here much you know yeah but
yeah this is the GL Flats BR you know
and it's but they just painted it yeah
yeah looks it used to be this baby blue
rotten blue yeah this street here
Mitchell Street this is sort of like one
of the streets one of the main streets
of GLE runs right through the center of
glay Bay all the way from the bottom
bottom of Wentworth Park straight all
the way up to the top right you know to
the top like West M and that yeah so
this this street here just go straight
for the middle of the whole thing bro
you know what I mean what about lately
all the young Lads yeah they've been
running the markad in but it is some of
the kids in GL but mostly out they
coming here to run a m been running a
mar here like every follows from outside
look look even a look it's a tourist
attraction
now Asian tourist get they're jumping
they jumping off the buses from Tokyo to
get a to get a photo like Planet
Hollywood land
holy time yeah oh but so back back to
what you were saying it's but gle's
always been like that day it's like it's
it's seen as like like a center of the
people from around the suburbs they come
run a mon yeah yeah G's always been like
that like so everyone in Glade would you
stay here a lot of people from other
areas always come here and always run to
M why you know Glade just the the little
traction B it is right it is it is I was
saying that it's like it was it's like
little Center little culture
little sub cultural criminal Center this
is every house in GLE they're all the
same they're all blueprints of each
other I was telling them how nowadays
they are Heritage million dollar houses
turn right around but this is like this
is what a backyard looks like in
GLE and they all got like they see here
like an olden day toilet so that was
like the outdoor Dy like 100 years ago
you know but that's it pretty much
the pretty much every house we walk past
that's that's their backyard that's the
design back lanes are still hammered at
L for me being a young GLE boy gle's
known for so you say like stying cars
wrx's Ram raids bank robberies back in
the day it was hectic around here BR you
walk in the street you see Bas bro
throwing past boys and pulling up it was
crazy bro Glade was a crazy area like
back in the day when I was young growing
up they was going out buying rexies gdrs
evos but don't even have a license
they're going pumping up buying legit
cars still no license no still C Chasers
in the legit car legit you know but yeah
but that that was like and and I was
saying like Sydney wide that was like
known this GLE this tiny little suburb
in the inner city of Sydney in near
darling harbar the suburb is just
flooded with adays on the search ripping
rexies ripping whatever car they can
pumping up Robin jewelry stores Robin
Banks like this is not a sometimes thing
this is not like oh one day someone done
this every day this is like every if
you're not doing it you're a gr if if
wasn't doing it you wasn't blending any
you weren one of the everyone was making
own that's how it was back in the day
you can walk through a GLE like brother
me like that was what the older boys
doing I was only Young Brother what I
was doing brother like I was only
walking through and breaking in the cars
but you break into a car you get 10
grand out of a car you get Lappy get La
go sell that for 2 Grand you know what I
mean big bundles out of cars there was
bundles back the day just by breaking
into the car you the old GL they just
call it Glass City BR cuz there's
nothing from about smash window ground
there was no cars there cuz they all
gone what he's saying there he like they
actually here Ary rocks L see these
rocks here I'll give you a little
scientific explanation so under nearly
every tree in the city GLE doesn't
matter s Hills Wu darling Hurst even the
rich areas right for some reason the
government went and put these rocks
right under every tree a rock this big
brother it's like denser than glass
right so if you throw a little Pebble
like this at a car window it's silently
bust the car window right so we call
them Ary rocks the word comes from spark
plug because like back in the days you
know like the spark plugs the white
ceramic on the spark plug if you get
that white ceramic around the spark plug
off it's essentially the same thing as
this you throw a little Pebble at it and
burst the car window but these do the
same thing so we'll walk around nothing
in our pockets no nothing just with a
torch when you see something in a car
you get one of these little rocks from
any tree doesn't matter look they're
everywhere you pick up a little f like
this bar bar the car window pops so what
he's saying is like the windows shutter
so why he's saying Glass City is because
like you'll walk down the street
everywhere's just old windows he yeah
you walk in a street the whole street
will be on the gutter just all smashed
windows but there's no cars here
so you know like half the M you know
everything everywhere glass everywhere
glass everywhere it's all why they even
boarding houses up here hey
doing what holy C what by satellite into
the
wood tell them about
gleed close
second that's a friendly rivalry he's
not like he's just saying you know what
I mean it's friendly
rivalry 2024 these are Lanes every lane