Queensland Police has announced it will commence a six-month enhanced statewide operation focused on reducing victimisation and targeting offenders from this Friday.
Police say the initiative, named Operation Yankee Forge, will enhance policing activities across the state to further reduce victim numbers and improve community safety.
The operation will be locally-led and centrally-coordinated, leveraging the knowledge and experience of officers who know their communities best.
During his first week as Acting Commissioner, Brett Pointing APM said the operation will be rolled out simultaneously across the state, tackling crime and forging strong community connection.
“The QPS is committed to combating crime that impacts everyday Queenslanders,” said A/Commissioner Pointing.
“I want to send a clear message to criminals – if you cause harm in our communities, you will be held to account.
“I would like to thank our people for the incredible work they do each day and for their unwavering support to their communities during this operation.”
Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations, John Tims said communities will see more proactive patrols to reduce the opportunity to offend.
“Bolstered by coordinated investigations and shared intelligence, the operation will target prolific, high harm repeat offenders,” said Deputy Commissioner Tims.
“Responses will be tailored for local issues and have the flexibility to strategically shift gears to target high crime and high harm locations.
“Operation Yankee Forge is about reducing victims of crime, supporting frontline police and keeping Queenslanders safe through evidence-based policing and more targeted policing deployment.”
Specialist personnel from areas including State Flying Squad, Youth Co-Responder, Public Safety Response Safety Team will be teaming up with local police to deliver highly coordinated, visible and targeted policing activities.
The operation will be guided by an adaptive and evolving approach to policing, ensuring activities remain timely, evidence-based and intelligence led in response to current and emerging issues.
Community safety is a shared responsibility, and Operation Yankee Forge is supported by encouraging community members to look out for one another, report suspicious behaviour and take practical steps to protect their homes and neighbourhoods, Queensland Police said in a statement.
