Police have surged into cross-border communities at Goondiwindi and Boggabilla, in a joint operation with Taskforce Guardian and New South Wales (NSW) police.
Alongside local police from both states, Taskforce Guardian conducted tactical efforts including search warrants, investigative action, cross-border vehicle stops and high-visibility patrols to deter and disrupt crime.
Between Tuesday October 29 and Friday November 1, police conducted 36 high visibility patrols and arrested six people in relation to 25 offences.
While four people were arrested in NSW on 20 offences.
The operation saw NSW Police and QPS officers patrol together, in a co-ordinated strategy targeting active property crime offenders and surging into hot-spot locations.
Taskforce Guardian brings together specialist police and expert youth justice officers, who deploy to districts across Queensland to work alongside local police.
Together conducting strategic activities aimed at reducing youth offending and enhancing community safety, through co-ordinated intelligence driven patrols, targeted investigations, and joint operations including bail compliance support along with community and family engagement.
The Taskforce also works with key support services and local resources to engage at-risk youth with relevant programs and agencies, focusing on health, education, disability services and cultural initiatives.
Since commencing in May 2023, Taskforce Guardian has charged 2,162 young people with 6,384 offences and diverted 982 young people from the youth justice system.
Darling Downs District Officer Superintendent Doug McDonald said the operation is an example of united efforts to disrupt offending in border communities.
"This operation was not only about seeking justice for victims and holding offenders to account, but disrupting and deterring crime before it happens," Superintendent McDonald said.
"We know that by being highly visible alongside NSW Police, it sends a message that we're working together to protect our communities, and travelling across borders won't slow down police efforts.
"I'd like to thank local police, Taskforce Guardian and NSW Police for their efforts this week, and we look forward to continuing to work closely together to keep our communities safe."
Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland, said Operation Regional Mongoose will continue to disrupt and investigate crime in the border region.
"Operation Regional Mongoose has already seen hundreds of people being arrested and charged with a range of offences," Assistant Commissioner Holland said.
"Police will continue to patrol border towns in an effort to detect crime and keep those communities safe."
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
