18 youths charged following State Flying Squad’s sixth operation in Townsville targeting youth crime

With Townsville an ongoing youth crime hotspot, the State Flying Squad has nabbed more alleged offenders, some between the ages of 10 and 16. SEE THE CHARGES.

With Townsville an ongoing youth crime hotspot, the State Flying Squad has nabbed more youth offenders, some between the ages of 10 and 16.

In its sixth visit to Townsville this year, the rapid response unit has revealed their latest operation lead to more than a dozen young offenders being charged.

Shadow Minister for Police Dan Purdie in Townsville. Picture: Evan Morgan

Between May 28 and June 5, 18 youths were charged with 68 offences including counts of robbery, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, break and enter, assault and breach of bail.
Ten juveniles between the ages of 10 and 16 were dealt with under the Youth Justice Act for 30 offences.”

A 12-year-old Mount Louisa girl was charged with two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and is due to appear in Townsville Childrens Court later this month.

Another 12-year-old girl from Kelso was charged with three counts of shop stealing and one count of enter premises with intent to commit an indictable offence

A 14-year-old Palm Island boy was charged with 19 offences including including eight counts of attempted burglary, five counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, two counts each of stealing and unlicenced driving and one count each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and burglary.

He was remanded in custody to reappear at Townsville Childrens Court later this month.

A 13-year-old Mount Louisa girl was charged with two counts of shop stealing and one count each of assault occasioning bodily harm, stealing and breach of bail.

Since January this year, 180 youths have been charged with 666 offences across the Townsville region.

The state government recently expanded the State Flying Squad to become the largest rapid response unit in the history of Queensland police.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie speaks to the media at Parliament House, Brisbane, Tuesday, May 21, 2025 – Picture: Richard Walker

The squad is equipped to travel around the state at a moment’s notice, responding to crime waves and lending an extra hand to local police on the ground.

Police Minister Dan Purdie said the success of the latest operation shows what happens when a “government backs its police.”

“Our State Flying Squad is helping restore safety to the streets of Townsville,” Minister Purdie said.

“It will take time to turn the tide on a decade of Labor’s weak laws and fewer police that created the youth crime crisis, but we remain committed to delivering the stronger laws needed to make our community safer.”

Mr Purdie said the State Flying Squad was just “one of the ways” the government was working to make the community “safer.”

Premier David Crisafulli at Parliament House, Brisbane, Tuesday, May 21, 2025 – Picture: Richard Walker

“For 10 years, police in Townsville were being forced to do their job with one hand tied behind their back, without the resources they needed,” he said.

“Now, thanks to the Crisafulli Government, we’re backing our frontline officers with the tools and resources they need, just as we promised.”

The previous operation, which ran from April 29 to May 6, charged 20 people, including 17 repeat offenders – with more than 110 offences.

This included a 12-year-old girl allegedly caught mid-break in, who was facing more than 20 charges.

A specialised State Flying Squad of 58 police officers was announced in January with Premier David Crisafulli and Mr Purdie also earmarking $32.4m in funding over five years will go towards the fly-in fly-out team.

Originally published as 18 youths charged following State Flying Squad’s sixth operation in Townsville targeting youth crime