Taskforce Guardian alongside local police have charged 24 young people with 89 offences and diverted nine young people from the youth justice system, during a week-long saturation strategy in Townsville.
Between 15 and 22 July, specialist police officers and expert youth justice officers conducted high-visibility patrols of hotspots, bail compliance support, assisted in finalising investigations, engaged with young people and targeted active high-risk offending.
Of the 89 offences, 25 were related to the unlawful use of a motor vehicle and nine break and enters.
The borderless nature of Taskforce Guardian allows rapid response teams to deploy at any time, where support is needed most across the state.
Police work alongside expert Youth Justice workers to foster a positive rapport with young people, connecting them with key support services, local resources, and relevant change-oriented programs focusing on health, education, employment, housing, disability and health services and cultural or First Nations initiatives.
Townsville District Officer Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Lawson said Taskforce Guardian is a valuable asset that supports crews on the ground.
“We are grateful for the support of Taskforce Guardian in assisting local police in tracking down and apprehending offenders, to keep the community safe,” Acting Chief Superintendent Lawson said.
“Working with youth justice staff also allows our officers to engage with young people in an effort to foster a positive rapport on the road to crime prevention while providing appropriate support services that focus on health and education of our young people at risk.”
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