Townsville youth crime: Three teens hospitalised, one still on the run after stolen car crash

One of Townsville’s top cops is calling on the families of young offenders to step up and be active parents following a recent stolen car crash involving children as young as 12.

Police were called just before 1am to reports of a single vehicle crash into a power pole on Nathan Street near Fullham Road in Vincent. Photo: Tom Parrish

A Townsville top cop is calling on the families of young offenders to step up and be active parents following a recent stolen car crash involving children as young as 12.

Emergency services were called to the scene of a single-vehicle crash where a stolen car collided into a pole on Nathan Street in Vincent at 12.58am on Monday.

A wrecked stolen Mitsubishi Triton dual cab was found on its side, and power lines were also down at the scene.

Police reported that a 17-year-old male passenger fled the scene on foot before their arrival. The driver, a 15-year-old female, along with two passengers, a 13-year-old female and a 12-year-old female, were transported to Townsville University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Lawson expressed concern and frustration over the recurring incidents involving young people in stolen vehicles.

“It’s very unfortunate in Townsville that we’ve seen a number of accidents like this occur and some very tragic events,” Lawson said.

“These kids were very lucky to walk away with minor injuries, but I implore all young people to stay out of stolen vehicles. They continue to be a bane on our society here in Townsville.”

Acting Superintendent Chris Lawson addressed the media following a stolen car crash in Vincent on Monday. Picture: Shae Beplate.

He emphasised the police force’s commitment to tackling this issue.

“We will continue to actively identify those involved, put them before the court, and when necessary, hold them in custody,” he said.

Superintendent Lawson also called on the families of these young offenders to take a more active role in their lives.

“A 12-year-old girl shouldn’t be out in a stolen car,” he said.

“Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen this in Townsville. I implore all the families of these young people to actually take ownership and become parents to these young people because that’s what’s really needed in this society to make sure this is stamped out.”

Police said the stolen vehicle involved was taken from an address on Akuna Street in Aitkenvale around 8pm on Sunday.

Originally published as Townsville youth crime: Three teens hospitalised, one still on the run after stolen car crash