War on crime: Calls for action as youth offending spikes in region

One Toowoomba MP said he hears crime stories every day and residents “have had a gutful” as hundreds of car thefts recorded in past 12 months

Toowoomba MPs and residents are “fed up” with the rising numbers of youth crime being committed in the region.

Toowoomba politicians have voiced their concerns as incidents of youth crime across the region continue to rise.

Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki said early intervention was key in reducing local youth crime.

“Every day I hear stories of crime in our community and people have had a gutful,” he said.

“It’s appalling that 512 cars have been stolen in the last 12 months, which is an increase of more than 50% on the previous 12 months.”

Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki said he hears crime stories every day and residents are fed up.

The MP said the problems related to youth crime were deep-seated and it would require an all levels of government approach to tackle the issue.

“Young people involved in the child protection system are 12 times more likely than other children to be under youth justice supervision,” Mr Janetzki said.

“There needs to be more investment in life-changing programs when a child first comes to the attention of Child Safety”.

Data from the Queensland Treasury’s Crime Report for 2018 to 2019 revealed youth crime was on the rise across the state, with theft, unlawful entry and drug related offences among the highest.

The report revealed offenders aged 10 to 17 years accounted for about one-half (48.1%) of all robbery offences.

Member for Toowoomba North, Trevor Watts said the recent spike in youth crime was very concerning.

Member for North Toowoomba Trevor Watts said changes to the Queensland legislation were required to allow magistrates to impose punishments that best fit the crime and meet community expectations.

“The recent spike in youth crime is very concerning – my office continues to be contacted by constituents, who are fed up with not being able to feel safe in their own homes,” he said.

“People must be held accountable and take responsibility for their anti-social actions, but also as a community we must ensure the support services are available to allow a person to get back, and stay, on track.

“We must ensure Queensland delivers the world’s best practice in this area, applying tried, well researched and proven methods.”

A Toowoomba mum recently shared her own personal story about her young son who became addicted to ice and is calling for mandatory rehab for teens on drugs. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The local MPs’ comments come after a Toowoomba mum recently shared how her son became addicted to ice at the age of 13 and has gone on to allegedly commit offences.

She told The Chronicle she had reached out to various people and organisations for assistance but very little assistance had been provided.

Late last year, Highfields residents also called for action after they noticed an increase in youth crime in the neighbourhood, including instances of vandalism, theft and public nuisance.

If you witness a crime, please notify police by calling 131 444.