Officers from the Townsville Property Crime Unit have charged more than 1,100 people with more than 4,300 offences, as part of Operation Victor Fastback so far this year.
Almost 12 months after the operation was launched in January, police say the results highlight the commitment of police to hold property offenders to account.
1156 people were arrested in total, including 853 young people and 303 adults.
Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy visited Townsville today, to better understand where officers can continue to be supported to drive down youth offending.
“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,” Deputy Commissioner Chelepy said.
“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 said 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,” Detective Acting Inspector Miles said.
“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.”
