‘It’s working’: 1200 charges prompt youth crime squad to hail early win

A Queensland Police fly-in,fly-out youth crime squad could become a permanent asset as the service reveals a hefty drop in the number of serious repeat offenders.

Queensland Police flying Taskforce Guardian youth crime squad could become a permanent fixture of the service following strong results in its first 12 months of operation.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Massingham said serious repeat offender numbers were down 14 per cent compared to November, when it hit a peak of 485.

He said offender numbers had fallen to 400, a 14 per cent decrease in five months.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Massingham. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mr Massingham labelled Taskforce Guardian a “targeted and well executed operation”, with more than 1200 young people charged with more than 4000 offences including property offences, break-ins, unlawful use of motor vehicle, robbery, sexual assault and breach of bail.

He said there had also been 500 youths dealt with by police and “diverted away from a life of crime”.

Taskforce Guardian will continue for at least two years, but Police Minister Mark Ryan said its success could see it continue.

“I’m very impressed with the 12 months … I can see it becoming a permanent part of the Queensland Police Service,” he said.

Police Minister Mark Ryan. Picture: NewsWire / Dan Peled

The state government has been criticised for its record on crime and, with an election in October, has desperately attempted to convince Queenslanders it can keep them safe.

When asked whether Queenslanders should feel safer today than they did 12 months ago, Mr Ryan acknowledged there was more the government could do.

“There’s one instance of criminal offending we’ve got more work to do,” he said.

Mr Massingham said the taskforce had a “unique strategy” about how the taskforce was deployed to problem communities.

“We actually do the work before we deploy so we know who we’re looking for, who their associates are that we can influence and where the greatest problems are within the community,” he said.

Originally published as ‘It’s working’: 1200 charges prompt youth crime squad to hail early win