More than 1,100 offenders have been charged this year in a major crack down on property crime in Townsville.
Officers have arrested 853 young people and 303 adults as part of Operation Victor Fastback since January.
Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy says the results highlight the commitment of police to hold property offenders to account.
“Police are absolutely committed to tackling youth crime from various angles including locating and arresting those serious repeat young offenders who threaten to harm our community.
“These results show the dedication of Townsville police to seek justice for victims and do all we can to disrupt offending.”
Townsville District Detective Acting Inspector Dave Miles says enforcement is just one avenue police are taking to disrupt the cycle of youth offending.
“Local police manage a number of youth programs and initiatives like the Youth Co-Responder Team and Project Booyah that work closely with partner agencies to redirect at-risk young people, before they go too far down the path of crime.
“It won’t show overnight, but early intervention is about the end game in reducing the number of youth offenders for years to come.”
Townsville residents are being reminded that opportunistic thieves make up a significant part of Operation Victor Fastback’s figures, and there are crime prevention strategies residents can implement to ensure they are best protected.
Since the Vehicle Immobiliser Subsidy Trial began in August, police have issued 7374 vouchers to eligible Townsville residents, with 1626 of those vouchers being redeemed.
“We continue to encourage people to take advantage of this trial, as it is another way of tackling crime in the area,” Deputy Commissioner Chelepy said.
“Strengthening the security of vehicles will help stop car thieves in their tracks.”
