Operation Copperfield results in 110 people arrested for property crime offences

Three months ago Toowoomba’s teenage crims were running hot, stealing cars every night and breaking into homes on a whim. Today they are either in custody or staying at home. Read how police did it.

Darling Downs police have cautiously hailed new figures that show the region’s crime rate is dropping.

Property offences committed by teenagers have decreased from 236 offences in May to 102 offences in June and 70 offences recorded in July.

The figures are the result of Operation Copperfield which involved the deployment of specialist police, including a dedicated property crime team and criminal investigators, to target young offenders.

Police have also rolled out proactive and intelligence-driven patrols throughout Toowoomba and the surrounding area.

The patrols were backed up by officers from the Tactical Crime Unit and the Police Liaison team.

In total police have charged 110 people with 228 offences since May 25.

Darling Downs Detective Inspector Heath McQueen said the police operation also drew on expertise from Youth Justice Taskforce, a multi-agency response that focuses on early intervention, rehabilitation and case management of high-risk repeat youth offenders.

He added residents being proactive with locking up has also been a big help.

Detective Inspector Heath McQueen.

“Police are continuing to see vehicles being stolen either opportunistically where the vehicle is left unsecured or through burglaries where keys are quickly located,” he said.

“We are encouraging vehicle owners to take a moment to think about their current security measures and whether they could be improved to reduce the risk of having their vehicle stolen.

“This could be as simple as keeping your keys in a hidden location within your home rather than in plain sight and ensuring your vehicle, home and business is secured at all times.

While Darling Downs police have a handle on young offenders, youth crime and car theft remains an issue across Queensland.

New data released by Budget Direct shows the Sunshine State led the country with the number of stolen cars in 2021.

The figure showed 15,805 vehicles were stolen from Queensland homes and businesses.

This compared to 15,353 thefts in Victoria and 10,473 in New South Wales.

During that time Toowoomba ranked fifth in the country with 657 vehicles stolen.

Insp McQueen urged residents to report any suspicious activity to police.

“Members of the public are urged not to take matters into their own hands,” he said.

“The risks include harm to themselves or innocent parties, compromising investigations or the potential for other legal recourse.

“While we appreciate that people want to do the right thing, the actions of vigilantes may not only put their own lives at risk, but those of innocent community members.”

Report crime by phoning Policelink in 131 444.