76arrestsinstate-wide police sting
- Specialist police operations nab 176 people on 449 charges in Queensland crime hotspots.
- Rapid response State Flying Squad arrested 87 juveniles, including multiple serious repeat offenders.
- Crisafulli Government's Making Queensland Safer Laws delivering critical support to Queensland Police Service.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering the extra-resources Queensland Police need with specialist police units arresting 176 people for 449 charges in a state-wide police blitz.
Officers from the State Flying Squad have stormed multiple crime hotspots in just over three weeks, targeting some of the worst adult and juvenile offenders.
The State Flying Squad arrested 87 juveniles, including serious repeat offenders, charging them with 264 offences during operations across Logan, Toowoomba, Ipswich and Townsville between 27 January – 19 February.
The arrests related to a wide variety of offences including enter premises with intent, serious assault, robbery, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and bail offences.
In Townsville alone, State Flying Squad officers charged 34 juveniles with 153 offences.
Within the first 48 hours of a second police operation on the Gold Coast this week, 89 offenders were arrested on 185 charges, including possession of dangerous drugs, knives and weapons charges.
The Crisafulli Government has committed $32.4 million over five years to increase the State Flying Squad to 58 permanent officers, making it the largest police rapid response unit in Queensland's history.
After Labor's weak laws created the Youth Crime Crisis, the Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland and its Making Queensland Safer Laws will finally hold youth criminals accountable for their actions.
The Crisafulli Government is also focused on delivering more police to the frontline, with 55 new officers graduating from the Townsville academy yesterday.
Premier David Crisafulli said the targeted police operations had taken prolific criminals off the streets, helping restore safety where you live.
"We are giving police the firepower they need to strike back against a generation of untouchables created under Labor's watch," Premier Crisafulli said.
"The State Flying Squad results show this rapid response unit can effectively provide communities with the back-up they need when facing a surge in youth crime.
"Our government is delivering the extra support and resources Queensland police desperately need and will continue to boost the number of officers on the frontline.
"Youth crime spiralled out of control under Labor, but we are boosting police numbers and our Making Queensland Safer Laws will steer Queensland in the right direction."
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said these rapid action operations were proof a better resourced Queensland Police Service would make our community safer.
"Queensland Police officers are the best in the business, but asking them to fight crime without enough backup is a disservice to them and to the community," he said.
"We support our police and will continue to give them the resources and assistance they need to do the job they signed up to do - keeping Queenslanders safe."
Assistant Commissioner Crime and Intelligence Command Craig McGrath said the Queensland Police Service was committed to preventing crime and supporting victims, ensuring every Queenslander felt safe.
"Deploying the State Flying Squad to crime hotspots enables police to take rapid and decisive action to reduce crime and protect the community," Assistant Commissioner McGrath said.
"Our officers across the State are working tirelessly every day and we are seeing great results from their dedication and proactive efforts."
