Number of reported criminal offences rise – district’s top cop says there is more to be done

The number of criminal offences reported in this southeast Queensland police district grew by 9.8 per cent in one year – the highest growth rate in the state. But the district’s top cop says it does not mean there is more crime.

Moreton South Patrol Group Inspector Craig White.

The number of offences committed in the Moreton South police district increased by 9.8 per cent in 2018-19 -the highest rate of change for a district when compared to the year before in the state.

But the region’s top cop says it does not necessarily mean there is more crime.

The report was released by the State Government earlier this week.

It found the number of armed robberies in the Moreton South district rose by 34.8 per cent when compared to the year before.

Unarmed robbery was down by 12 per cent.

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The number of criminal offences committed in the Moreton South police district increased by 9.8 per cent between 2017-18 and 2018-19.

Unlawful entry, when compared over the past nine years, had decreased by 22.3 per cent.

While the number of drug offences increased 139 per cent in the past nine years.

“I will never be satisfied with any amount of crime being committed in our area, there is always an opportunity to improve upon the way we prevent or solve crime,” Moreton South Patrol Group Inspector Craig White said.

“A rise in reported crime statistics does not necessarily mean more crime is being committed in any area.

“There are several types of offences, for example drug offences where the more offences detected by Police leads to a corresponding increase in reported drug crime.

“It is usually in these cases reflected by the good work done by officers in detecting and solving drug related crime.”

There were 464 assaults reported in the district in 2018-19. Down 1.9 per cent on the year before.

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“We have had a general reduction in reported assault offences committed mainly on the street,” Insp White said.

“Tragically however we had the murder of a young man in Redcliffe earlier last month. I don’t think we can ever be satisfied with settling for any reported assault.

“I know however that most of our reported assault offences also occur in the home and many of these are often directly linked to domestic violence.”

Insp White said he was glad to see more domestic violence victims coming forward and reporting DV to the police.

“Police will do everything they can to support the victims of DV including assisting with Domestic Violence Applications or by providing referral of the victim and perpetrator to support services,” he said.

For help phone DV Connect Womensline on 1800 811 811 or DV Connect Mensline 1800 600 636.