The Queensland Government has unveiled the results of a covert crackdown on youth crime in Townsville, with the Queensland Police State Flying Squad arresting 17 juveniles on more than 100 charges.
The State Flying Squad targeted the worst juvenile and adult offenders during the week-long crime blitz between 29 April and 6 May. Officers arrested 20 people, including 17 juveniles, on 110 offences including for stealing, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, break and enter and breaches of bail.
On 30 April, during the targeted operation, Police arrested a group of people allegedly in the act of breaking into a home in Thuringowa Central, including a 12-year-old Kirwan girl who was charged with 21 offences, and a 15-year-old girl charged with a further five offences including break and enter and stealing.
The Townsville operation was in conjunction with a simultaneous State Flying Squad deployment in Cairns, which saw 44 youths charged.
The Government has committed $32.4 million over the next five years to triple the size of the State Flying Squad, making it the largest response team in Queensland’s history.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Dan Purdie praised the efforts of the specialist rapid response team.
“After a decade of inaction by the Labor Government which left residents fearful and alone, our specialist police officers are taking hardcore young offenders off the streets of Townsville,” Minister Purdie said.
“Our police have been relentless in their pursuit to arrest and charge youth offenders terrorising the community.
“With our tough Adult Time, Adult Crime laws, these kids will now face genuine consequences and punishment.”
Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon said the arrests followed weeks of surveillance, intelligence and rapid-response deployment.
“These arrests are the result of intensive work by our officers to reduce crime in Townsville,” Deputy Commissioner Scanlon said.
Townsville-based Acting Superintendent Erin Shawcross said the State Flying Squad surge capability built upon local policing efforts to disrupt and intercept offenders.
“We continue to take a strong stance against any offender who seeks to harm or disrupt our community’s safety or feeling of safety,” Acting Superintendent Shawcross said.
“The State Flying Squad’s resources supported our district’s investigations and led to the swift apprehension of multiple serious repeat offenders.”
