Oppositions blames teen crime spree on Labor’s lack of police and weak juvenile punishments

THE Opposition is calling for tougher punishments on youth offenders after a horror weekend of teen thefts and violence. But Labor says early intervention is the key to reducing teen crime.

Sorrento resident Albert Doumit surveys the damage a group of teens did to his car on Sunday night. Picture Glenn Hampson

A TEEN crime rampage at the weekend has the State Opposition blowing up about lack of police resources and weak sentencing, including no punishment for juvenile bail breaches.

LNP deputy leader Tim Mander yesterday accused the Palaszczuk Government of being too soft on juvenile offenders and as a result the Gold Coast community was suffering.

The teens rampaged across the Gold Coast, destroying cars such as this one. Picture Glenn Hampson

“More police and tougher sentencing laws are desperately needed to bring skyrocketing youth crime on the Gold Coast under control,” Mr Mander said.

“You only have to look at the horror weekend of property theft and violence to see youth crime on the Gold Coast is out of control.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor are soft on crime and it’s putting community safety on the Gold Coast at risk.”

LNP Opposition deputy leader Tim Mander said weak Labor policies are to blame. Picture: Evan Morgan

On Monday Detective Inspector Marc Hogan said the juveniles allegedly responsible for breaking into more than 20 vehicles, stealing at least two cars and stabbing a Surfers Paradise man in the throat and body were known to police.

Mr Mander said if punishment for offenders was stricter and police numbers had not taken a hit, juveniles would be less likely to offend or reoffend.

“Labor’s soft-on-crime laws mean youth offenders on bail can no longer be charged with breaching bail conditions,” he said.

NEVER MISS A MINUTE WITH THE GOLD COAST BULLETIN APP

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been working on early intervention programs. Photo Lachie Millard

“This means there’s absolutely no incentive for youth to comply with their bail conditions, leading to more youth offenders roaming the streets on bail committing more crimes.

“Repeat juvenile offenders should not be out on the streets. They need to be in detention until they are able to prove their successful rehabilitation.

YOUTH CRIME LEAVING BUSINESS OWNERS AT WIT’S END

“Our hardworking police do an incredible job but they are overstretched and struggling to keep up with the rising crime numbers.

Sorrento resident Albert Doumit surveys the damage to his cars in Balmoral Ave. Picture Glenn Hampson

“There’s only so much they can do with the limited resources.

“Not only did Labor cut 40 police officers on the Gold Coast last year, but things have gone even further backwards since the election with another five taken away.”

A spokesman for the Premier’s office said the Government approach has been focused on early intervention and education rather than punishment.

“The Palaszczuk Government has embarked on significant youth justice reforms based on early intervention,” the spokesman said.

A crime spree overnight starting around Bundall resulted in widespread damage to cars and property and a man being stabbed in the throat on the Isle of Capri. A forensics officer working at Rapallo Ave Isle of Capri. Picture Glenn Hampson

GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS FOR 50C A DAY

“Former police commissioner Bob Atkinson’s report on the Queensland youth justice system made 77 recommendations to overhaul the way Queensland deals with young offenders and engages with troubled and disengaged young people who are at risk of becoming offenders.

“The report and recommendations are guiding the development of a new youth justice strategy expected to be announced before the end of the year.

“Project Booyah, a successful Labor-funded initiative, is helping at-risk youths get back on track by providing support for numeracy and literacy and linking them up with businesses for employment opportunities.”

Four teens have been arrested and charged after a crime spree through Bundall, Benowa, Surfers Paradise, Varsity Lakes, Tugun and Tweed during Sunday night and Monday morning.

A boy, 15, is alleged to have been carrying cannabis when apprehended and was charged with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and drug possession.

More charges are expected to be laid.