Thousands of arrests made in community safety crack down

Crime hotspots including shopping centres, restaurant precincts and service stations have been the focus of a police crack down that’s brought 11,200 charges against 6,700 offenders.

Crime hotspots including shopping centres, restaurant precincts and service stations have been the focus of a police crack down that’s brought charges against more than 500 Far North offenders.

An extra 8,459 proactive police patrols and activities have been conducted in Cairns and the Far North region as part of a police operation aimed at enhancing community safety.

Operation Victor Unison began on March 1, to prevent, disrupt and investigate youth crime.

Officer in charge of the Cairns City Police Beat Inspector Gary Hunter talks with a woman on Lake St in the Cairns CBD. Picture: Peter Carruthers

High visibility patrols have targeted shopping centres, business, retail and restaurant precincts, as well as service stations to increase a police presence through marked vehicle drive-bys, Mobile Police Beats and foot patrols.

Engagement with the community when on patrol has yielded key information about criminal activity which has led to 357 adults being charged with 473 offences while 217 juveniles have been charged with 314 offences.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said high community engagement was enhancing public safety as well as preventing and disrupting criminal and anti-social behaviour.

“It is also a really good opportunity for business owners and community members to speak with their local police about issues affecting them,” he said.

Queensland Police have so far conducted 99,475 extreme high visibility community patrols as part of Operation Victor Unison across the state. Picture: Justin Brierty

In an update on the Palaszczuk Government’s vehicle immobiliser subsidy, 5,081 Cairns motorists have signed up for the $500 theft protection device.

A total of 9000 vouchers were allocated to Cairns car owners in an effort to reduce a record stolen car tally last year of 1299 vehicles.

As of Monday 642 vehicles have been stolen since January 1.

“I am also very pleased with the uptake of participants for the vehicle immobiliser trial where vehicle owners are significantly boosting their vehicle’s security with the help of the government’s subsidy,” Mr Ryan said.

Police in Cairns and the Far North have so far conducted 8,459 extra patrols and arrested more than 500 offenders as part of Operation Victor Unison. Picture: Brendan Radke.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Kev Guteridge said as part of operation Victor Unison officers have undertaken 8,459 proactive patrols across the Far North in addition to regular duties.

“Our officers are engaging with young people in public spaces, patrolling business and residential areas, conducting bail checks, interacting with the community, undertaking wanding operations and taking enforcement action against those committing offences,” he said.

“Our crime prevention officers are also highly active in our communities, providing advice to residents and vehicle owners about boosting their security.”

Follow @petercarruther1

Originally published as Thousands of arrests made in community safety crack down