200+ percent increase: Shock stolen car statistics across Wide Bay

Since 2015, the number of stolen cars has reportedly increased by 275 per cent in Bundaberg, 228 per cent in Hervey Bay and 279 per cent in Maryborough.

Opposition spokesperson for police and community safety Dan Purdie said that only “by preventing, intervening, diverting, rehabilitating, and protecting” would the youth crime crisis be stopped.

Shocking new statistics have revealed the big increase in the number of cars being stolen across the Wide Bay.

The statistics were quoted in a statement from the LNP this week, which claimed “soft laws” were responsible for the youth crime crisis.

Queensland Police Service statistics revealed 251 cars were stolen in Bundaberg in the 12 months to September 2024, an annual rise of 37 per cent, the statement said.

Since 2015, the number of stolen cars has increased by 275 per cent in Bundaberg, 228 per cent in Hervey Bay and 279 per cent in Maryborough.

Opposition spokesperson for police and community safety Dan Purdie said that only “by preventing, intervening, diverting, rehabilitating, and protecting” would the youth crime crisis be stopped.

Opposition spokesperson for police and community safety Dan Purdie said that only “by preventing, intervening, diverting, rehabilitating, and protecting” would the youth crime crisis be stopped.

A state government spokesperson said any level of offending was unacceptable but the community could be assured the government would not relent in targeting those causing harm in the community.

“Police are targeting offenders with high-visibility police operations including the deployment of Taskforce Guardian to the Wide Bay region,” they said.

“These police operations are having an impact on youth crime with police statistics showing that the number of unlawful use of motor vehicle offences is down 26 per cent this year compared to last year.

“Police statistics also show that the number of reported offences by young people in the Wide Bay District has dropped 34.4 per cent in the first six months of this year, compared to the same period in 2023.”

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Originally published as 200+ percent increase: Shock stolen car statistics across Wide Bay