VIDEO: South Burnett police task force crack down on youth crime

Police have released footage of their latest blitz on youth crime across the South Burnett which has resulted in more than 100 charges being laid. See the video.

A South Burnett police task force have charged 25 young people with 102 charges following a major crack down on youth crime.

A week long operation which ran between November 14 and November 21, Taskforce Guardian targeted high-risk youth offending across the region focusing on Cherbourg, Kingaroy, Wondai and Murgon.

According to a press release shared by the Queensland Police on Wednesday, “most6 offences related to property crime and bail matters, including 18 counts of unlawful entry, nine counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, 35 charges related to other property offences, one robbery charge, three counts of assault, 16 counts of breach of bail and 20 other offences.”

More local police and court news:

‘Shaking’: Murgon in grip of crime wave, with multiple break-ins

Meet Wide Bay-Burnett’s badly behaved parents of 2023

Working with local detectives and expert Youth Justice workers, the deployment conducted “15 high-visibility patrols” at local pubs, schools and “other areas connected to recent property crime matters and anti-social behaviour.”

The team also completed 13 street checks and worked with number of local businesses and community members.

South Burnett Patrol Group Inspector Scott Stahlhut spoke on the effort of the police and said it strengthened the local response to youth crime.

South Burnett police operation Taskforce Guardian charges 25 young people with 102 charges.

“Having this rapid-response arm of the State Flying Squad at our disposal allows us to saturate problem areas and assist our local police with serious repeat juvenile offenders, strengthening our capabilities to disrupt youth offending,” he said.

“Safety is our number one priority and we’re putting these property crime offenders on notice.”

According to the release, the Taskforce goes beyond placing charges and worked with “with key support services and local resources to engage at-risk youth with relevant programs, focusing on health, education, disability services and First Nations initiatives.”