Young offenders out of jail on track to hit 2022 car theft record

Driven by a recidivist youth offender crime wave Cairns is on target to surpass a record number of car thefts this year based on police numbers that reveal a theft rate of 3.8 cars a day.

DRIVEN by a recidivist youth offender crime wave, Cairns is on target to surpass a record number of car thefts this year based on police numbers that reveal on average of 3.8 cars a day have been stolen in January.

A Cairns car theft record was set in 2021 when 782 vehicles were stolen between Gordonvale and the Northern Beaches, an average of 65.1 cars a month.

Cairns teens pose up on Instagram in front of an allegedly stolen car.

Already, up until January 17, 66 vehicles have been stolen and if the trend continues last year’s car theft total of 782 vehicles will be surpassed in 2022.

Desperate victim of two recent car thefts, Perri Conti from All Day Car Rentals is taking a stand.

She has started a petition demanding action on crime by Youth Justice Minister Leanne Linard, Cairns MP Michael Healy and Barron River MP Craig Crawford.

Perri Conti (with husband Phillip) from All Day Car Rentals had two cars stolen from rental customers recently.

“One was stolen on the 2nd January and the other one a week before, we got one back with a smashed in front but not the other one,” she said.

“I am just blow away about how many cars are getting stolen.

“I just don’t get it, we have these politicians just burying their heads in the sand like it doesn’t exist.”

Bentley Park resident Brett Davenport looks over a stolen burnt out car. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ms Conti said police forensic teams can’t keep up with demand meaning her damaged car remains in the smash repair yard waiting for attention. On the hunt for her outstanding white Kia Rio, Ms Conti hit the streets of Edmonton trying to track the vehicle down.

“I am at my wit’s end, the petrol stations suffer because they drive off and not pay for fuel and we suffer as insurance companies put premiums up,” she said.

Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Hodgman. Picture: Peter Carruthers

Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Hodgman said the Edmonton area had been targeted by offenders who are known to operate in groups and move in stolen cars between Cairns, the Tablelands and Yarrabah.

“There’s many, many kids that are out of custody at the moment,” he said.

“These kids are out and about late at night. They’re bored and think it’s cool to go and commit crime.

“The behaviour is just disgusting. Normal members of the community should not have to tolerate this behaviour from these kids.”

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Originally published as Young offenders out of jail on track to hit 2022 car theft record