Triple M radio host Annabelle Brett takes to social media after witnessing youth arrest

A Queensland radio show host — who has personally been a victim of crime — is urging people to rethink their stance on youth crime after witnessing an arrest first-hand.

Host of Triple M’s The Rush Hour with A.B & Elliott, Annabelle Brett is urging people in Townsville to change their tune on youth crime after witnessing an arrest first-hand.

A previous victim of crime herself, Mrs Brett had her car stolen by juveniles two years ago and experienced an attempted break-in on her home in 2023.

“I thought you’d feel a bit more justice, but you just feel sad,” she said to the Townsville Bulletin, reflecting on the M1 arrest near Logan.

“He endangered his own life and those of countless others, but at 12 max - there’s no way he can comprehend the consequences of his actions.

“Someone or multiple people failed that child today, and all the kids getting into these situations.”

Annabelle Brett, co-host of The Rush Hour with A.B & Elliott.

Earlier, Mrs Brett took to social media saying: “After a couple of years of living in the youth crime capital of QLD, today I actually witnessed a kid apprehended in Brisbane and it was a horrific experience that has completely rattled me.”

It comes as Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer announces a $1m boost for Townsville’s intensive rehabilitation.

Mrs Brett witnessed the arrest while on holiday, when traffic came to a standstill along the M1, near Logan where police surrounded an allegedly stolen vehicle and arrested two teenagers, including a 13-year-old boy.

“This little boy was scared, he was crying and frightened and I can guarantee any human being never wants to see a child in that state,” Mrs Brett wrote.

“I see so much commentary around the likes of, “throw the book at these grubs”, or calls for tougher sentencing and higher police presence. Well from personal experience now I can say, you’ll feel differently when you see this happen.”

With friends who work in health and education, Mrs Brett says they’ve shared stories with her of young people admitting they steal cars because it’s safer in the detention centre than it is at home. Or they want a warm meal.

And now, Ms Brett is urging people look closer, and take some personal accountability.

“We all have the power the do something,” she said.

Mrs Brett signed up to become a The Pyjama Foundation volunteer after hearing about the program about from another breakfast radio host in Townsville, Crystal Vas, who has also donated her time to the organisation.

“They work with kids in care and you can spend as much or as little time giving a kid your time and attention,” Mrs Brett said.

“Sometimes just feeling listened to is all that it takes to turn the lives of children in completely different directions.”

“I spent three years visiting a young girl under 10 and in that time saw significant improvements in her reading, writing and controlling her emotions,” Ms Vas said.

“Seeing her face every time I would show up was something really special. It’s amazing the difference you can make in a child’s life just by showing up.”

Mrs Brett would also love to see access to after-school activities, sports, youth mentorship and other mental health support become more readily available and affordable in order to help kids rather than incarcerate them.

Originally published as Triple M radio host Annabelle Brett takes to social media after witnessing youth arrest