Operation Victor Romney: Townsville sees crime rate dip as police crackdown on young offenders
Townsville saw a noticeable drop in crime over the last month after police placed a “significant cohort” of serious young offenders into custody. See the latest numbers here.
Townsville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Townsville saw a noticeable drop in crime over the last month after police placed a “significant cohort” of serious young offenders into custody.
Detective Acting Inspector Dave Miles said there had been a reduction in crime, including break-ins and car theft offences, over the last six weeks since Townsville police launched Operation Victor Romney in response to a youth crime wave in December.
He said that during that time, police had arrested 399 offenders — including 44 serious young offenders — on a total of 1439 charges.
During the latest deployment of Taskforce Guardian to Townsville between January 15 and 23, police arrested a further 26 people — including 22 youths — on 80 charges.
The latest police data shows reports of unlawful use of motor vehicle offences have halved in Townsville over the last month, falling from 172 offences in December to 75 in January.
Meanwhile, unlawful entry offences fell from 451 to 261 over the same period.
Detective Acting Inspector Miles said he believed the downturn in crime was a direct result of a “significant cohort” of serious young offenders now being held in detention.
“These young people have repeatedly committed offences, and they’re going to be held accountable,” he said.
“If they come out of custody in the future and they continue to offend, we will begin to prosecute them and put them back into custody.
“We make no apologies for that.”
He said the recent introduction of a police helicopter in Townsville was another important additional tool police had been using to track offenders.
The chopper was used as police tracked down three youths in a stolen blue Mitsubishi Challenger that went on a rampage on Wednesday, ramming two police cars and damaging another.
Police have since charged a 13-year-old girl with 12 offences, including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, wilful damage to police property, possessing a knife, stealing and unlicensed driving.
Her bail was objected to, and she is expected to appear later in Townsville’s Children’s Court.
A 14-year-old girl was also charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, trespass and shop stealing. Her bail was granted to appear in Townsville’s Children’s Court on Thursday.
An 11-year-old boy was charged with wilful damage, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, trespass, possessing a utensil and possessing housebreaking implements. He was granted bail to appear in Townsville’s Children’s Court on Thursday.
Originally published as Operation Victor Romney: Townsville sees crime rate dip as police crackdown on young offenders
FULL LIST: Your guide to NQ candidates in the 2024 State Election
As campaigning gears up ahead of October 26, check out who is hoping to win your vote in the electorates across Townsville and beyond PLUS where to vote early >>
‘I heard gargling for help’: Witnesses in fatal stabbing trial take stand
The neighbour who lived near a woman that was alleged to have stabbed her friend that was left to die in a driveway has broken down in tears while giving evidence in the trial.