Operation Victor Unison: Cops go all-out in Townsville’s war on youth crime with 11,000+ patrols

Police have been kicking down doors in the fight against youth crime in Townsville, with close to 12,000 extra patrols and more than 700 offenders arrested during Operation Victor Unison.

Police have been kicking down doors in the fight against youth crime in Townsville, with close to 12,000 extra patrols and more than 700 alleged offenders arrested during Operation Victor Unison.

Since the launch of this boots-on-the-ground style operation on March 1, police have gone full force and executed 99,475 extreme high visibility community patrols across the state, with 11,801 patrols in Townsville alone.

The patrols largely involved dedicated marked vehicles, Mobile Police Beats (police stations on wheels) and foot patrols in hot spots such as shopping centres, service stations and other public places.

Townsville police have so far conducted 11,000 extra patrols and arrested more than 700 alleged offenders.

This work has resulted in more than 6700 people being charged with upwards of 11,200 offences – including 2300 juveniles being netted on 4400 charges.

In Townsville, 375 adults have been charged with 859 offences, while 365 juveniles have been charged with 470 offences.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Kev Guteridge at a crime rally in Townsville during his time serving as the city’s top cop. Picture: Matt Taylor

Acting Deputy Commissioner Kev Guteridge – a former Townsville Chief Superintendent – said the extra patrols went “over and above” normal calls for service and everyday policing operations in areas of Townsville where they were needed most.

“Our officers are engaging with young people in public spaces, patrolling business and residential areas, conducting bail checks, interacting with the community, undertaking wanding operations and taking enforcement action against those committing offences,” he said.

Queensland police have so far conducted 99,475 extreme high visibility community patrols as part of Operation Victor Unison across the state, with more to come.

“We are also deploying our Mobile Police Beat vehicles in communities across Queensland where officers will temporarily base themselves and engage with community members.

“Our crime prevention officers are also highly active in our communities, providing advice to residents and vehicle owners about boosting their security.”

It comes as the $500 Vehicle Immobiliser subsidy trial continues to grow, with 5910 vouchers issued to local residents in Townsville.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said he was very pleased with the uptake of participants for the vehicle immobiliser trial.

Originally published as Operation Victor Unison: Cops go all-out in Townsville’s war on youth crime with 11,000+ patrols