Regional MP’s navigate Wide Bay Burnett horrific youth carjacking increase
An escalating crime crisis is “tearing apart” regional communities with recent incidents involving teens terrorising streets, leading to police chases and vehicles being destroyed.
South Burnett
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Juveniles are terrorising streets across Wide Bay Burnett regions with new data showing youth crime has increased significantly this year.
Unlawful use of motor vehicles has skyrocketed by a staggering 25 per cent over the past 12 months.
In the last month there have been 142 unlawful entries, 429 other thefts, and 163 assaults across the Wide Bay Burnett region.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the Queensland Police Service was stretched to the limit, and health and welfare sectors also needed support to deal with the crisis.
“This is something I feel strongly about and will continue to fight to find a solution for all residents,” Mr Bennett said.
Six juveniles who allegedly embarked on a car and petrol thieving spree over three days in November in the South Burnett have been charged and will face the Kingaroy Children’s Court and Murgon Magistrates Court.
The youngest boy was 11 years old.
In a separate incident, on December 6 police charged a 14 year old Cherbourg girl and a 16 year old boy with unlawful use of a motor vehicle after a stolen vehicle was tracked and recovered at Cherbourg. She will appear before Murgon Children's Court at a later date.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said residents don’t feel safe in their own homes or being out and about in the community.
“That is not OK, our police are doing a great job but are having to contend with inadequate laws and resourcing, to do their jobs,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“I worry lives will be lost, and locals could be seriously harmed, if urgent action is not taken.
“The State Government has failed to take any responsibility or offer new solutions to fix the escalating crime crisis that is ripping apart the South Burnett and Cherbourg.
“New analysis shows in the year following the introduction of the State Government’s so-called youth crime reforms, more cars were stolen in Queensland than anywhere else in the country.”
The government has returned fire over the LNP’s attack.
Minister for Youth Justice Leanne Linard said breach of bail was shown to be a failure while the LNP was in government.
She said between 2014 and 2016 184 young people were charged with the offence and no penalty was able to be imposed.
“Not only was no penalty able to be imposed the offence did nothing to reduce reoffending with 94% of all young people charged with breach of bail reoffending within two years,” Ms Linard said.
“In the Wide Bay-Burnett region, we are seeing progress from programs such restorative justice conferencing, conditional bail programs that provide intensive support to young people on bail, and Transition to Success, which offers vocational training and alternative education.
“Youth Justice teams also deliver behaviour management programs to help young people change their behaviours and reduce aggression and violence.”
A Nanango man, who wishes to remain anonymous, fell victim to a recent carjacking attempt in Kingaroy.
The man said that last Tuesday he received a shocking call from a colleague telling him his car had been completely smashed up and the wires under the steering wheel had been cut.
“My car has since been written off, though I feel more sorry for the people who did it,” the man said.
“No one who has their life together would do this.
“I’m not sure what has to be done, only something must be done.”
Mr Bennett said the State Government needs to strengthen laws and introduce breach of bail as an offence.
“Vandals and troublemakers are taking a terrible toll on local businesses, residents, and charities,” Mr Bennett said.
“We need to fight for them.
“Queenslanders deserve so much better.”
Community advocate and Wide Bay resident Dawn McMullin said it’s time to find a solution.
“We’re regularly seeing damage to the amenities, to public scooters and the surrounding trees and environment at the park,” Ms McMullin said.
Mr Bennett will hold a community sausage sizzle on the December 9 at Mary Kinross Park, Bargara to engage with the community on this issue.
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Originally published as Regional MP’s navigate Wide Bay Burnett horrific youth carjacking increase
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