Qld crime rate: LNP reveals how bad things have got in a decade

Crime has spiralled out of control over the past decade with assaults, car theft and robbery spiking nearly 300 per cent in parts of Queensland.

Qld crime LNP data

Crime has spiralled out of control over the past decade with assaults, car theft and robbery spiking nearly 300 per cent in parts of Queensland, the Opposition has claimed.

New crime analysis by the LNP shows offence numbers for break-ins, theft, assault and robbery in some parts of the state have drastically increased since 2015-16.

Average assault offences tripped across the state, more so in Townsville, Rockhampton and the Sunshine Coast where assault shot up 288, 253 and 222 per cent respectively.

It equated to an extra 3865 assaults in Townsville, 1213 in Rockhampton and 1421 in the Sunshine Coast.

Bundaberg and Maryborough saw the most dramatic increases in “unlawful use of motor vehicle” or car theft offences, with both regions experiencing a 282 per cent rise.

In Brisbane, residents reported 2851 more car thefts in 2023-24 compared with in 2015-16, and the Gold Coast reported and extra 1077.

Break-ins also increased by 45 per cent statewide, mostly in Townsville where offences doubled from 2075 to 4119 (99 per cent) between mid 2015 and 2024.

Interestingly, Mackay experienced a slight 4 per cent decrease in break-ins over the same period.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli. Picture: Brendan Radke

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said the figures showed Queenslanders were ready for tougher laws.

“Youth criminals have been running riot through our communities, knowing there are no consequences and little punishment for serious crime,” he said, adding that the LNP would strengthen sentencing laws if elected in October.

“(It) will bring back consequences for actions and send a clear message to youth offenders.

“We’ll also get serious about early intervention and rehabilitation with purpose.”

Townsville and Rockhampton recorded excessive 287 per cent and 216 per cent rises in robbery offences.

Maryborough was the only region to experience a decrease in robberies (13 per cent) since 2015-16.

The most significant increase in “other theft” offences or small property theft occurring outside of break ins, was in Brisbane, which saw a 74 per cent rise since 2015-16.

Hervey Bay also saw a substantial increase of 61 per cent, while other regions like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast had slightly more moderate quarter increases.

The state government released its latest crime action plan in April, backed by $1.28bn in funding over five years for range of community safety measures including increased focus on domestic violence, additional police officers and victim support.