Townsville’s latest high-visibility police operation results revealed

Police have arrested hundreds over the last four weeks as a high-visibility holiday operation’s results in Townsville are revealed. See how the numbers stack up.

A high-visibility police patrol blitz that targeted crime in key locations around the state, including Townsville, resulted in around 1200 arrests overall.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said that Operation Uniform Theta, which was launched in December of last year, had resulted in 2500 charges being laid across the state during the last four weeks.

“Police have been on the front foot conducting high visibility patrols in known hot spots and engaging with young people over the holiday period,” Minister Ryan said.

“The operation has seen thousands of extra officer hours dedicated to preventing and disrupting anti-social and criminal behaviour on our streets.

“We know that a high police presence in public spaces and suburban areas has a strong deterrence effect and sends a clear message to would-be offenders.”

At the launch of Operation Uniform Theta in Cairns on December 19, L-R Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler, Snr Const Wayne Querruel, Snr Sgt OIC Far North Tactical Squad Anthony Law, Police Minister Mark Ryan, Snr Const Emma Yates, Const Joshua Blundell and Youth Co-responder team leader Lily Palmer. Picture: Alison Paterson

In Townsville, 108 adults were arrested in relation to 271 offences, while 81 juveniles were charged with 230 offences.

Police patrols in Townsville conducted 257 crime ‘hotspot’ patrols and 950 bail compliance checks were carried out.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler visited Cairns to announce the new Operation Uniform Theta, which will primarily focus on extra high-visibility officer patrols in intelligence driven locations, including public spaces and residential areas. Picture: Alison Paterson

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler said the operation was allowing police to work more proactively.

“Traditionally, we do see an increase in property crime and anti-social behaviour over the summer holiday period,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Wheeler said.

“Through this operation, officers are employing a number of strategies to proactively prevent and disrupt criminal activities including walking through shopping precincts, engaging with business operators and patrolling residential areas.

Police Minister Mark Ryan at the Townsville Police Academy. Member for Townsville Scott Stewart. Picture: Evan Morgan

“While we have seen a high number of arrests, particularly with young offenders, our officers are stopping and engaging with hundreds more people and conducting bail checks to ensure there is compliance.”

The police minister said similar patrols would be expanded beyond the current operation as part of the government’s response to youth crime.

“Operation Theta is an example of how we can boost police visibility in areas where it is needed most,” Mr Ryan said.

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said operations like Uniform Theta would be part of the ongoing response.

“Our tough new measures include extreme high visibility patrols because we know proactive police actions like Operation Theta make a difference.”

Originally published as Townsville’s latest high-visibility police operation results revealed