Police crackdown on youth crime in Bundaberg, Wide Bay

A police operation across Bundaberg and the Wide Bay targeting youth crime has brought almost 300 charges against more than 200 people.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Kev Guteridge said police officers had been 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. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

An extra 2200 proactive police patrols and activities have been conducted in Bundaberg and the Wide Bay Burnett District as part of a leading police operation aimed at enhancing community safety.

Operation Victor Unison commenced on March 1, 2023, focusing on preventing, disrupting and investigating youth crime through community engagement and extreme high visibility patrols in intelligence driven hotspot locations.

As part of the operation, officers undertook 2259 proactive patrols across Bundaberg and the Wide Bay Burnett District in addition to regular duties.

Patrols largely involved a dedicated police presence using marked vehicles, Mobile Police Beats and foot patrols in hot spots such as shopping centres, business, retail and restaurant precincts, service stations and other public places.

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Across the state, the operation resulted in more than 6700 people being charged with more than 11,200 offences, including 2300 juveniles being arrested on 4400 charges.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Kev Guteridge said police officers had been 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. Picture: Ashley Pillhofer

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In Bundaberg, 154 adults have been charged with 183 offences while 66 juveniles have been charged with 95 offences.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Kev Guteridge said police officers had been 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.

“We are also deploying our Mobile Police Beat vehicles in communities across Queensland where officers will temporarily base themselves and engage with community members,” he said.

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