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Premier calls in Qld police’s rapid response unit to break Far North crime wave

An explosion in youth crime across Cairns has forced Premier David Crisafulli to deploy more cops to the Far North in a bid to curb skyrocketing vehicle thefts from the city’s homes and suburban streets.

Premier David Crisafulli and Member for Barron River Bree James meet with Far North Chief Superintendent Kevin Fitzgibbon, Cairns City Patrol Group Inspector Jamie Horn and Officer in Charge of Cairns Station Acting Senior Sergeant Lyall McKelvie. Picture: Samuel Davis
Premier David Crisafulli and Member for Barron River Bree James meet with Far North Chief Superintendent Kevin Fitzgibbon, Cairns City Patrol Group Inspector Jamie Horn and Officer in Charge of Cairns Station Acting Senior Sergeant Lyall McKelvie. Picture: Samuel Davis

An explosion in youth crime across Cairns has forced Premier David Crisafulli to deploy more cops to the Far North in a bid to curb skyrocketing vehicle thefts from the city’s homes and suburban streets.

Mr Crisafulli announced members of the recently bolstered Flying Squad would arrive in Cairns this week with the region on track to eclipse triple figures for stolen cars in a month for just the second time since October 2022.

But Cairns’ top cop wouldn’t draw a link between car thefts and the school holiday period, arguing that numbers last January were significantly lower.

The “unacceptable” crime figures had led to the crack down, the Premier said.

“I want the people of this region to know help is on its way,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Officers from the Flying Squad will be in the Far North in the days to come.

“We’re doing that because I want the police who work on the ground to know that we respect and value the work they do.

“We also understand the pressure that they are under and these are extra boots on the ground to deal with the spike that we have seen.”

The Premier has sent a specialist rapid response unit to Cairns in an effort to combat a major spike in vehicle thefts and burglaries in the region. Picture: Samuel Davis
The Premier has sent a specialist rapid response unit to Cairns in an effort to combat a major spike in vehicle thefts and burglaries in the region. Picture: Samuel Davis

Frustrated residents had simply had enough, Member for Barron River Bree James said.

“We all heard the horrific story about the woman in her car in Freshwater that was (allegedly) dragged out of her vehicle and viciously attacked by youth criminals (on Christmas Eve),” Ms James said.

An estimated $30,000 worth of goods stolen from the Stratford service station at the weekend underlined the problem.

“That poor business had already sustained significant damage and losses over the (Tropical Cyclone) Jasper flood,” the Far North MP said.

“To have such a tough thing happen at the beginning of this year and last year as well is so hard on small business owners.

“We know that we need to turn the tide on crime.”

A vehicle stolen by youths from Mt Sheridan crashed into a tree in Mooroobool last December, critically injuring a juvenile passenger. Picture: Peter Carruthers
A vehicle stolen by youths from Mt Sheridan crashed into a tree in Mooroobool last December, critically injuring a juvenile passenger. Picture: Peter Carruthers

The post-Christmas crime spree was backed up by data, Far North Chief Superintendent Kevin Fitzgibbon said.

“We’ve had over 27 people arrested in relation to stolen vehicles,” Chief Superintendent Fitzgibbon said.

“23 offenders arrested in relation to breaking into homes and another 15 arrested in relation to breaking into other premises such as businesses.”

“There have been seven robberies over the last 48 hours.”

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli during a press conference at the Cairns police station. Picture: Supplied
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli during a press conference at the Cairns police station. Picture: Supplied

Improving retention within the police force would help prevent crime, Mr Crisafulli said.

“The attrition rate in Queensland (within the police force) has reached six per cent,” he said.

“That is at historically high levels. The second element is the pipeline of new recruits.

“We’re confident that we’ll exceed the targets we’ve discussed with the Queensland Police Union.”

Earlier this month, the Premier unveiled Queensland Police’s “State Flying Squad” to target the worst juvenile and adult offenders, comprising 58 officers.

The last time Cairns had more than 100 cars stolen in a month was October last year with 108.

Member for Cook David Kempton said communities in his electorate were also feeling the impact of youth crime.

“I’m getting calls every day,” Mr Kempton said.

“The break-ins are occurring while people are in their homes and they’re becoming more and more brazen.”

Originally published as Premier calls in Qld police’s rapid response unit to break Far North crime wave

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/cairns/help-is-on-its-way-premier-calls-in-qld-polices-rapid-response-unit-to-break-far-north-crime-wave/news-story/a509882ccef7ab92f4fefe5256a287cc