Kirwan Police crack down on property crime in overnight police operation

A teenager armed with break-in tools has been caught in the act after Townsville police saturated crime-riddled suburbs to crack down on property crime.

A teenager armed with break-in tools has been caught in the act after Townsville police saturated crime-riddled suburbs to crack down on property crime.

The 13-year-old was among 12 people arrested on 20 charges in the first rollout of the region’s newest police blitz, Operation Spring Clean.

The crack down comes after the state government announced the State Flying Squad would swoop into town this weekend and help stretched officers deal with an increasing crime spike.

The city has recently been ravaged by vigilante behaviour, increased property crime and violent assaults.

Police patrolled Aitkenvale, Cranbrook, Kirwan, Mount Louisa and Douglas in the overnight operation.

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During the patrols, police busted a teenager armed with a set of multi-grip pliers they allege was a tool intended to break into homes.

Kirwan Police officer-in-charge Acting Senior Sergeant Devon Cupitt said the child was a well-known property offender.

“We caught him before anything happened … our target is to get a hold of these people before they can offend,” he said.,

Other offenders were charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, possession of dangerous drugs and possession of items used for unlawful entry.

Officers also conducted 45 street checks while they patrolled on bicycles, in cars and on foot.

Snr-Sgt Cupitt said this operation was the first of many set to roll out over the next few months.

Originally published as Kirwan Police crack down on property crime in overnight police operation