- Latest statistics show a reduction in the rate of total offences, the rate of youth offences, the total number of unique youth offenders, and the rate of unique youth offenders
- The new figures also reveal the extent to which Domestic Violence offences influence crime statistics
- New figures also reveal extent of police 'surge' operations targeting crime hot-spots
The latest crime statistics from the Queensland Police Service compare the financial year 2023/24 to financial year 2022/23.
The figures reveal a reduction in the rate of youth offences of 6.7%. In addition, the total number of unique youth offenders has reduced by 2% since last financial year and by 18% since 2012/13. The rate of unique youth offenders has reduced by 4% since last financial year and by a staggering 32% since 2012/13.
These annual statistics are underscored by a 9% statewide decrease in the number of unlawful entry offences committed by youth offenders and by a 9% statewide decrease in the number of unlawful use of a motor vehicle offences committed by youth offenders.
The statistics also show that the rate of all offences (inclusive of domestic violence flagged offences) by all offenders decreased by 0.1%.
Significantly, the rate of all offences (exclusive of domestic violence flagged offences) by all offenders decreased by 1.9%.
As a proportion of total offence rates, Domestic Violence offences continue to grow. For example, in relation to assault offences, in 2019-2020 Domestic Violence accounted for 24.4% of total assault offences, while in 2023-2024 it accounted for 56.9% of total assault offences.
It demonstrates the scale of domestic violence offending and how important it is that everyone in the community works together to stamp out this scourge on society.
The fact is that even one instance of offending is of concern, and that is why the government and police will never relent in targeting those who cause harm in the community.
New figures also reveal the extent of police 'surge operations' across the state.
Operation Whiskey Legion is highly visible and overtly recognisable in each area of operation, focusing on offences impacting community safety.
The Operation deploys across the State, delivering a multi-discipline, surge capacity to target high-volume, high-harm crime hotspots.
As at 30 June 2024, Operation Whiskey Legion has deployed to seven police districts including Logan, Ipswich, Gold Coast, South Brisbane, Moreton, Mackay-Whitsunday, and North Brisbane.
In each operation, police 'saturate' the targeted area with officers.
Operation Whiskey Legion operations in Logan & Ipswich Districts saw the deployment of 149 officers.
For the Gold Coast District 263 officers were deployed.
South Brisbane District saw a deployment of 380 officers.
Moreton District's Operation Whiskey Legion deployed 194 officers.
In the Mackay Whitsunday District 138 officers were deployed.
North Brisbane District saw 458 officers deployed.
These operations aim to stop crime by holding offenders to account, stop re-offending, implement contemporary prevention initiatives and inform and support victims.
Operation Whiskey Legion is a significant, protracted operation that works alongside Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Unison.
During these deployments, up to 30 June 2024, there has been 2,072 adult offenders and 441 juvenile offenders charged with 6,225 offences.
Community safety is paramount.
As stated by Premier Steven Miles:
"Since the day I became Premier, I have made it clear the community safety is a top priority for my government.
"I have always said we will invest in what we know works, which is why I have delivered more resources, more police on the beat and more early intervention across Queensland.
"Community safety matters to Queenslanders and it matters to me."
As stated by Police Minister Mark Ryan:
"Any instance of crime is totally unacceptable because for every crime there is a victim and the impact can be traumatising.
"I want to commend police for their relentless efforts, and particularly their use of 'surge' capacities to target high-harm offenders.
"The Miles Government and police will never relent when it comes to targeting those who wish to cause harm to others."
As stated by Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski:
"My priority is keeping the community safe and helping them feel safe, and the QPS will continue to adapt our approaches to respond to crime in Queensland.
"I acknowledge the significant impact of domestic and family violence and the corresponding affect it has on overall criminal offences committed in our community.
"We will continue to target high harm offending in the community through specific deployments such as Operation Whiskey Legion and Taskforce Guardian."
Summary of statistics:
1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 compared to 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023 [NOTE: all figures are rates per 100,000 persons]
Juvenile offences including DFV offending
For the reporting period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 compared to 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023:
- The total offences rate decreased by 6.7%
- The rate of offences against the person increased by 4.8%
- The rate of offences against property decreased by 7.8%
- The rate of other offences decreased by 9.5%
All offences (adult and juvenile) including DFV offending
For the reporting period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 compared to 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023:
- The total offences rate decreased by 0.1%
- The rate of offences against the person increased by 4.8%
- The rate of offences against property decreased by 1.8%
- The rate of other offences increased by 0.2%
All Offences (adult and juvenile) excluding DFV offending
For the reporting period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 compared to 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023:
- The total offences rate decreased by 1.9%
- The rate of offences against the person increased by 2.4%
- The rate of offences against property decreased by 2.2%
- The rate of other offences decreased by 2.5%
