Townsville crime statistics for 2021 show shocking property crime rates
More than 10 homes were broken into and three cars stolen each day this year, crowning 2021 as one of the worst years for property crime in Townsville. See the shocking numbers for yourself and what our leaders had to say.
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MORE than 10 homes were broken into and three cars stolen each day last year, crowning 2021 as one of the worst years for property crime in Townsville.
Despite a raft of youth bail law changes, residents are still living in fear, cars torched within hours of being stolen, and thousands of dollars in hard earned possessions have been lost as the year drew to a close.
The Townsville Bulletin has delved into Queensland Police data for 2021, which shows break-ins have soared by 46 per cent since 2017, and 12 per cent against 2020.
Townsville District Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said it had been a demanding year for police with the pressure of Covid-19, but they would never stop fighting crime.
“Our focus has and will always remain on reducing reported crime,” Superintendent Hanlon said.
Car thefts in the Townsville District have risen 33 per cent in the last five years, and reached 1132 unlawful use charges in 2021.
Some of the city’s most serious crimes in the last year have involved stolen cars, including the death of 22-year-old Jennifer Board in February.
Police also became the target of youth offenders. Multiple officers were injured after youths rammed their vehicles, threw bricks at car windows or even tried to run them down.
More than 4200 houses or businesses were broken into in the last year and 124 people were robbed.
Superintendent Hanlon said police had conducted a raft of specialised operations to target property crime, and he was proud of the work his crews had done during a tough year.
“Townsville police owe a debt of gratitude to the people of Townsville, our job is made easier by the enormous support from our local community.”
The State Government also introduced a raft of changes this year to tighten youth bail laws and stop the revolving door of juvenile crime, including created a designated Youth Justice Taskforce and creating a presumption against bail for repeat offenders.
Police say the changes are working, with more than 100 extra young offenders kept behind bars compared to a year ago.
Despite the law changes, the statistics were still high with the month of May recording the most break-ins for the year (594).
Police Minister Mark Ryan said his government had done a lot to try and kerb crime, including committing to more police, but he did not offer any new solutions.
“The police and the government will never relent in targeting those hard-core offenders who wish to do harm to the community. And that is what is happening,” Mr Ryan said.
“More offenders are being locked up more often and for longer.”
Opposition spokesman for Police Dale Last said Townsville residents were in a “living nightmare”.
“The stats don’t lie and clearly this government has lost control when it comes to crime,” Mr Last said.
“They can talk all they like but the fact remains that crime is increasing.
“It’s about time the government took the blinkers off and saw this issue for what it is.”
Mr Last said stronger collaboration between departments, earlier intervention at schools and “a lot more work done,” at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre was needed to lift the city out of the cycle of crime.
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