Minister says extras police will help reduce youth crime

Police have revealed the number of criminals that are causing the majority of crime problems in the Garden Ciy.

Police Minister Mark Ryan announced the deployment of extra 29 frontline police to Darling Down District.

The ranks of local law enforcement will be bolstered by an additional 29 frontline officers who will be deployed in the region in the coming months.

Four officers will be sent to the Goondiwindi Police Station and two to the Domestic Violence Unit.

The rest will join the investigative teams at the Toowoomba Police Stations and will be tasked with tackling youth crime, along with general duties and the Road Policing Unit.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said the result would be more proactive policing, with a focus on reaching out and supporting the families of recidivist offenders.

“There is a small cohort of recidivist offenders in Toowoomba, about 18 young people,” he said.

“The challenge is that those 18 young people are committing significant levels of crime.”

The Darling Downs District will also receive a mobile Police Beat that will be deployed to high risk areas and should be here by the end of June.

“That proactive police presence goes some way to not only enhancing community safety but also feelings of community safety,” Mr Ryan said.

Commissioner Carroll joined with Mr Ryan in saying police in the Darling Downs District had been applying a range of strategies to address youth crime.

“The district established a 27-officer squad, comprising members of the Tactical Crime Squad and Toowoomba Property Crime Unit, dedicated to ensuring a timely and effective response,” Commissioner Carroll said.

“In nearly 12 months, members of the squad visited 1,739 addresses, conducted 1,448 bail checks and 1,422 street checks, and charged 295 offenders with a total of 693 charges.

“Importantly, officers have also been working closely with our partner agencies to ensure a whole-of-government approach to targeting serious repeat offenders, as well as collaborating with community groups to ensure at-risk youth do not progress down the path of crime.”