Townsville Councillor Suzy Batkovic’s impassioned plea on crime crisis

Townsville Councillor Suzy Batkovic has issued a impassioned plea for more to be done about the city’s festering crime crisis after a shocking incident where a pregnant mum was terrorised by car thieves.

Councillor Suzy Batkovic made a passionate call for stronger action to tackle crime in Townsville during Wednesday's council meeting.

Townsville Councillor Suzy Batkovic has issued a heartfelt plea for more to be done about the city’s festering crime crisis after a shocking incident where a pregnant mum was terrorised by car thieves.

Her remarks came during Wednesday’s council meeting following another terrifying home invasion where masked thieves broke into a family’s home on Sunday, terrorising a pregnant woman before stealing two of their cars.

“I know this has been going on in the community for some time, but as you would know, Shannon Seebohm and his wife, who is five months pregnant with their third child, had a home invasion,” Cr Batkovic said.

“I know everyone in the community and around this table are quite sick of it.”

The ongoing crisis appeared to have struck a nerve with a fed-up Cr Batkovic.

Speaking in the council chamber, she expressed the frustration felt by many residents, urgently calling for action before more people get hurt.

“I think it’s past the point of ‘what next?’ I think there needs to be … do something, anything, before more community members get hurt,” she said.

She also pointed out the growing financial strain caused by crime in Townsville, as residents struggle with the aftermath of break-ins and thefts.

“The costs that come with fixing doors, locks, and calling locksmiths out on a Sunday morning … and then cars burnt out and insurance … it’s just escalating. I feel for everyone in the community.”

Cr Batkovic acknowledged that while she doesn’t have the solutions or the power to make the changes needed, she urged those in positions of authority who do to take action on behalf of the community.

“I ask you, please … take action, try something,” she said. “We must improve so that people can feel secure in their own homes.”

Originally published as Townsville Councillor Suzy Batkovic’s impassioned plea on crime crisis