Operation Uniform Theta launched as police crack down on crime in NQ during festive period

Local criminals could be spending their Christmas behind bars after police launched a proactive operation to crack down on law breaking during the festive period. See what’s planned.

Townsville criminals doing the wrong thing over the festive break could spend their Christmas behind bars after the Queensland Police Service launched a proactive operation to crack down on crime.

Announcing the launch of Operation Uniform Theta on Monday, QPS said a new high-visibility operation to support community safety in key areas of the state would remain in place until the end of January.

Noting that offending traditionally increased over school holiday breaks, Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Mark Wheeler said the operation was primarily focused on providing extra high-visibility officer patrols in intelligence driven locations, public spaces and residential areas.

It will include engagements between young people by Queensland Police and its non-government partners.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler with Minister for Police Mark Ryan. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Youth offending is a challenging, complex issue impacted by underlying factors such as social dysfunction, substance abuse, domestic violence, family dynamics and dysfunction and access to social services and support.

Which cities have the most festive season burglaries per 10,000 people. Picture: Budget Direct.

He said to expect enhanced police resources patrolling our streets and business precincts “around the clock”.

“A range of strategies will be employed throughout the operation, including a high visibility police presence in intelligence driven locations, engagement activities with young people and an expansion of the Youth Crime Co-responder and bail check programs,” he said.

Which states have the most festive season burglaries. Picture: Budget Direct.

In addition to providing dedicated police resources and patrols for Townsville, the operation will also target North and Far North Queensland regions, including Cairns and Mount Isa.

Commissioner Wheeler said intervention and rehabilitation for young offenders were crucial in breaking the cycle of crime and delivering long-term change.

Minister for Police Mark Ryan announces the doubling of Mobile Police Beats within the next five years, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

“The majority of juvenile offenders do not reoffend once they have initial contact with the justice system,” he said.

Commending the proactive step taken by QPS, Police Minister Mark Ryan said officers played a crucial role in engaging with young people and preventing crime over the holiday period.

“The QPS has allocated over 2200 additional shifts during the busy school holiday to conduct this high-visibility operation,” Mr Ryan said.

“I know residents and visitors to northern parts of our state will be reassured with having extra boots on the ground and on patrol, keeping our communities safe over the holidays.”

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said highly visible, proactive policing operations were an important part of helping keep the community safe.

Originally published as Operation Uniform Theta launched as police crack down on crime in NQ during festive period