Crime drop, but Townsville residents still feel vulnerable as car thefts rage on

Townsville’s crime stats might be heading in the right direction, with break-ins down 30 per cent in the past eight months, but locals say they’re still living in fear as car thieves continue to run wild. See the data breakdown here.

Townsville’s crime stats might be heading in the right direction, with break-ins down 30 per cent in the past eight months, but locals say they’re still living in fear as car thieves continue to run wild.

New figures from police show some promising signs, with unlawful entry offences between January and August dropping from 1221 in 2023 to 968 in 2024 — a solid 30 per cent dip.

Car thefts have also fallen 20 per cent, with 2523 incidents recorded this year compared to 3639 last year.

Robberies are down 17 per cent, and drug offences have taken a 16 per cent dive.

Townsville Car Theft, Break-In Data by Month 2023-24

Despite some concerning spikes in crime earlier this year, Townsville Police Acting Superintendent Dean Cavanagh says overall offending in the city is on the decline, largely due to quicker arrests of young offenders, thanks to coordinated responses and the new police chopper.

Premier Steven Miles echoed this, stating that youth offences in Townsville have dropped by 24 per cent, which he attributes to the government’s $1.3 billion Community Safety Plan.

“The evidence-based plan is channelling investment and resources where police tell us they are needed, while also investing in prevention, intervention, and detention,” Premier Miles said.

“One of my first decisions as Premier was to bring Polair capability to Townsville – and police tell us it’s making a huge difference.”

Premier Steven Miles with the Police Commissioner in Townsville .Picture: Annette Dew

“We know there is no silver bullet to youth crime, and while it’s early days we’re seeing improvements across the state.

“It’s clear our detailed plan is working, so it’s time to stay the course.”

Townsville Drug Offences Data By Month 2023-24

Despite the downward trend, many Townsville residents say they still don’t feel safe, with victims like Josh Schwarz left fuming after his new Toyota Prado was stolen from his Rowes Bay home last Saturday.

He claims his stolen car was spotted multiple times across Townsville by the public and reported to police, yet no attempt was made to stop it until four days later.

“It’s frustrating — The cops are doing their best, but their hands are tied. They should be allowed to engage these offenders as soon as they know where they are — not sit back and let them get away,” he said.

Rowes Bay resident Josh Schwarz's 4WD was stolen and driven around Townsville for four days before it was finally stung by police. Thieves left the inside of the car covered in graffiti.

Mr Schwarz, a former KAP candidate for Townsville in the 2020 election, believes many locals share his view that current pursuit policies are holding officers back from taking immediate action.

He claims that in Townsville, the police appear to avoid pursuing juveniles and instead wait for them to stop for food, fuel up, or rest before making their move.

However, Police Minister Mark Ryan has refuted these claims, stating that a pursuit policy is in place, saying: “It is based on risk and the expert judgment of the Queensland Police Service.”

The stolen silver Toyota Prado was found damaged and covered in graffiti after police stopped it with tyre spikes following four days of being driven around Townsville.

In a bizarre twist, Mr Schwarz said he saw his stolen car pull up next to him at traffic lights on Sunday, with adults inside, after it had initially been spotted being driven around town by youths.

“I have absolutely no doubt that there are some hardened adult criminals using these kids as puppets,” he said.

“They are well familiar with the law. They’re well familiar with the police’s stance on not pursuing juveniles. So juveniles can do the crime, and we’ll take the car for a joy ride later.”

Police have since arrested and charged three teenagers in relation to the Toyota Prado theft.

A 12-year-old Palm Island boy, a 15-year-old from Annandale, and a 16-year-old from Vincent have all been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

The 12-year-old has been dealt with under the Youth Justice Act, while the two older boys were denied bail, with court dates looming.

Originally published as Crime drop, but Townsville residents still feel vulnerable as car thefts rage on