Multiple teens in Toowoomba, southwest Qld arrested and charged as part of Taskforce Guardian

A week-long police operation in the Toowoomba and South West region has resulted in the arrest of 37 juveniles. Watch the footage here.

Taskforce Guardian completed its eighth deployment to the Toowoomba, Cherbourg, and Murgon areas between June 7 and June 14, 2024. Pictures: QPS

Queensland Police Service has charged more than 30 juveniles over an eight-day period across the Toowoomba, Cherbourg and Murgon regions.

The holistic taskforce collaborates with support services to engage at-risk youth with relevant programs that focus on health, education, disability services and First Nation services.

Between June 7 and June 14, a Queensland Police spokeswoman said 37 young people were arrested on 75 offences, and 32 teens were diverted from the youth justice system as part of Taskforce Guardian.

“Specialist police investigators and expert youth justice workers joined local police across both districts to address youth offending and provide engagement support,” she said.

“(It) demonstrates the taskforce’s ongoing success in working collaboratively with local police, Youth Justice, partner agencies and local support services to target repeat offenders, steer other young people away from offending behaviours and connect caregivers to support services.”

Since the targeted police operation began in May 2023, the spokeswoman said 1386 offenders were arrested and charges with 4392 offences.

Detective Senior Sergeant Joe Nixon said Taskforce Guardian’s efforts across the southwest was a team effort thanks to the force’s collaboration with local stakeholders, community groups and councils.

“I would like to thank the Cherbourg and Murgon communities, along with stakeholders in Ipswich and Toowoomba, for working so closely with us,” he said.

Specialist police investigators and expert youth justice workers joined local police across both districts to address youth offending and provide engagement support.

“Community engagement is a priority for Taskforce Guardian, as we work to not just locate young offenders, but prevent future offending and ensure each individual child is given tailored support and referrals that give them the best chances of breaking the cycle.

“Taskforce Guardian continues to support our districts with investigative action, patrols, bail checks and engagement activities.

“Young people know we’re out there; we are deploying regularly and consistently right across the state and taking action to protect the public, divert at-risk young people and provide support where it’s needed most.”