Toowoomba youth crime: Queensland Police Union president calls for extra 150 cops to be recruited to region

Following the alleged assault of an elderly Toowoomba man, the head of the state police union has called for the region’s frontline workforce to be beefed up to combat rises in youth crime.

Toowoomba and the Darling Downs should have an extra 150 police officers to help combat the region’s youth crime crisis and other criminal activity.

That’s the call from Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers, who said there were not enough “frontline police” officers to tackle the issue.

Mr Leavers called the assault of 75-year-old Toowoomba man Robert Brown outside Grand Central Shopping Centre on Monday a “disgrace” and argued the region’s police force should be bulked up.

QLD Police Union President Ian Leavers. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mr Brown is unlikely to survive his injuries and remains in a critical condition in Toowoomba Hospital.

Three teenagers, including 18-year-old Wilsonton man Isaac Zane Cubby, have been charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Statistics show several offences involving youths have increased over the past 10 years, most notably car thefts (up 224 per cent since 2012) and armed robbery (up 172 per cent).

While community members and other stakeholders have called for the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to come and address the city on the matter, Mr Leavers said more could be done to support the police.

“Police in Toowoomba, like anywhere Queensland, could always do with more resources but there are not enough frontline police,” he said in a statement.

“I believe there should be at least another 150 officers assigned to the region.

“I secured a commitment from the Palaszczuk government (in 2020) for an additional 2025 police staff by the year 2025, it’s up to the QPS to reach its recruitment targets.”

Originally published as Toowoomba youth crime: Queensland Police Union president calls for extra 150 cops to be recruited to region