Youth crime Toowoomba: Shocking Queensland Police numbers that show extent of crisis

An analysis of police data has revealed the extent of the youth crime crisis plaguing the Darling Downs, following the shocking alleged assault in the centre of Toowoomba. SEE THE STATS.

Shocking statistics have revealed a surge in youth offenders committing a raft of violent crimes across the Darling Downs Policing District.

According to police data, assault numbers among youth have jumped from 224 in 2012 to 276 in 2022.

There have also been massive jumps in armed robberies, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, unlawful entry, and weapons act offences.

The number of young offenders stealing cars surged from 214 in 2012 to 693 in 2022.

Assault numbers among youth offenders rose from 224 in 2012 to 276 in 2022.

Teens committing weapons act offences rose from 42 in 2012 to 100 in 2022.

Only two offenders unlawfully entered a home with violence in 2012 – 28 committed this crime in 2022.

Young offenders charged with burglary rose from 771 to 930.

The number of young people charged with robbery went from 43 in 2012 to 78 in 2022.

Young people committing armed robbery rose from 18 to 49.

In the police data, a juvenile is classed as between 10 and 16 years of age.

The numbers also do not talk about specific individuals, but the number of crimes.

An analysis of the data comes after a 75-year-old was the victim of an alleged shocking assault in the centre of the city.

Police have revealed the man is not expected to survive from his critical injuries.

The Chronicle has extended an invitation to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to come to Toowoomba to hear from the public regarding their concerns around youth crime.

The Premier’s office has yet to respond to multiple requests.

Queensland remains in the dark about the state government’s package of youth justice reforms, which are expected to be revealed when parliament resumes.

Opposition leader David Crisafulli visited Toowoomba on Thursday, calling on the Premier to address the concerns felt across the community.

Mr Crisafulli also said the public deserved to see the proposed reforms to provide feedback.

“We’ll point out what we think can work and what can be improved, we hope they’ll listen to that,” he said.

“I also believe that all of them would love to see that legislation ahead of the sittings so people can make suggestions.”

Originally published as Youth crime Toowoomba: Shocking Queensland Police numbers that show extent of crisis