‘Real concern’: Why police have been out in force in Toowoomba

Less than 24 hours after several Toowoomba residents voiced concerns about their safety, police and shopping centres across the region are working together to tackle the youth crime crisis.

Senior Constable Neil Ault and Senior Constable Joanne Bailey chat with Ray Croft outside the Mobile Police Beat parked at Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Darling Downs Police were out in force in Toowoomba after a series of offences were allegedly committed at shopping centres and other places of interest in recent weeks.

Superintendent Doug McDonald said police had “a number of tools” at their disposal, including the mobile Police Beat which will be tasked to crime hot spots in the area.

He said this would be “constantly” reassessed based on crime trends, intelligence and stakeholder consultation.

Senior Constable Neil Ault and Senior Constable Joanne Bailey outside the Mobile Police Beat parked at Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Senior Constables Joanne Bailey and Neil Ault were set up in the Queensland Police Service mobile Police Beat van at Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre on Tuesday.

“We’re here for crime prevention, community engagement and to try and increase our police presence,” Senior Constable Bailey said.

“The District Officer’s idea is to have the (mobile police beat van) based not just here but also other places of interest and particularly shopping centres.”

In addition to Clifford Gardens, other confirmed sites for the unit will include Grand Central and Wilsonton Shopping Centre, as well as the Toowoomba Plaza.

While a roster and staffing levels for the mobile police unit had not yet been determined, they said this was being looked into.

Senior Constable Neil Ault and Senior Constable Joanne Bailey chat with Ray Croft outside the Mobile Police Beat parked at Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“(The youth crime) is a real concern for us at the moment, just like it is for every other person,” Senior Constable Bailey said.

“We’re trying our best to do what we can to help the community feel safe but that is hard when they have that fear already and there are continuing offences going on.”

The two officers recommended members of the public to go about their “usual business” when visiting shopping centres and to avoid engaging with any juveniles who were “acting up”.

Police confirmed no serious incidents had occurred at the shopping centre on Tuesday afternoon, but many members of the public had stopped by to thank them for their work.

The mobile station was set up at the centre after several customers raised concerns about their safety while grocery shopping as a result of multiple alleged thefts and muggings reported at the centre in the past 12 months.

Senior Constable Neil Ault at work in the Mobile Police Beat parked at Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Meanwhile on Friday, February 17, video footage emerged showing an offender repeatedly punching a Woolworths female employee before a customer intervened.

A spokeswoman for Elanor Investors Group, which manages Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre, said the safety of customers was paramount.

While the spokeswoman confirmed the centre security team had been alerted to “minor” incidents including theft, this had not significantly increased.

She said the centre was engaging with its security provider, police, local government and community stakeholders to ensure customers felt safe when visiting the centre.

It was also confirmed the Woolworths staff member who was assaulted was doing well.

Encouraging the community to remain vigilant when at home too, they also advised to ensure vehicles, keys and valued possessions were locked or kept in a safe place at all times.

In case of an emergency, please phone triple-0.

If the matter is not urgent, please phone Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.