A new rapid response police taskforce dedicated to targeting high-risk youth offending across the state has resulted in more than 400 young people being arrested as part of multiple local operations.
Taskforce Guardian, consisting of dedicated Queensland Police Service detectives and expert Youth Justice workers, has completed 21 deployments state-wide since May.
Their efforts, combined with local police, have resulted in a total of 449 young people charged on 1,269 offences.
Taskforce Guardian’s latest deployment to Brisbane’s south has seen 13 young people arrested on 101 charges with the 12-day operation continuing until Friday.
Most offences relate to property crime and bail matters, including 19 counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, 37 counts of break and enter, 10 counts of bail breach and two counts robbery.
Recent deployments to Mount Isa, Logan, Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton and Toowoomba have ensured a high visibility police presence in key locations.
Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations and Youth Crime Shane Chelepy said the Taskforce continued to provide immediate support in key areas across Queensland.
“The combined expertise of Taskforce Guardian with local police allows QPS to saturate hot spot areas and target recidivist offenders while also enabling engagement opportunities with Youth Workers when out on patrol,” Deputy Commissioner Chelepy said.
“I’m pleased with the positive results of the Taskforce to-date and I expect to see further outcomes as we continue rolling out various operations at locations across the state over the coming weeks.
“The QPS is committed to tackling youth crime from all angles to ensure we are keeping the community safe.”
The Taskforce works with key support services and local resources to engage at-risk youth with relevant programs, focusing on health, education, disability services and First Nations initiatives.
The borderless nature of Taskforce Guardian allows the dedicated team of police and youth justice workers to deploy any time, where support is needed most.
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