Mackay crime: Offenders as young as 11 caught in youth blitz

More than 25 offenders, some as young as 11, year been detained on more than 109 charges as part of an operation targeting Mackay’s youth crime. DETAILS

Detective Inspector Emma Novose says about 12 offenders are responsible for the majority of Mackay’s property offences. Photo: Fergus Gregg

More than 25 offenders, some as young as 11, year been detained on more than 109 charges as part of an operation targeting Mackay’s youth crime.

Over the course of just one week, the youth taskforce said it managed to charge almost three quarters of Mackay’s youth crime cohort.

Taskforce Guardian arrived in Mackay in time to assist in operation Mackay Jupiter.

Mackay Whitsunday Crime and Support Services Detective Inspector Emma Novosel said the operation, conducted between March 11 and March 17, targeted youth offending to “stop, disrupt and prevent it in our community”.

Over the course of the week, 26 offenders were detained on 109 charges, nine of whom were young people between the ages of 11 and 17.

“The young people we intercepted were dealt with on a variety of charges,” Detective Inspector Novosel said.

“Property related charges like burglary, wilful damage, stealing and unlawful use of a motor vehicles.”

Several individuals were also detained in relation to violent charges.

Taskforce Guardian has been travelling Queensland assisting and compounding operations that target youth offenders.

“Having the extra boots on the ground was really important and a great assistance.”

Detective Inspector Novosel also added that “Mackay is in a different position” to other parts of Queensland as the region has a “relatively small cohort of unique youth offenders.”

Mackay had a cohort of around 12 young people who commit the majority of property offences, she explained.

While Detective Inspector Novosel said that “our aim is to divert young people from the court process” she also said that some of the offenders targeted were no longer eligible for diversion and would be brought before childrens court.