Taskforce Guardian alongside local police have conducted a seven-day blitz targeting youth offending across the Wide Bay Burnett district.
During the deployment, May 27 to June 2, the rapid response Taskforce, which brings together specialist investigators with Youth Justice workers, worked alongside local police focusing on enhancing community safety through targeting serious recidivist offending, engaging with at-risk young people and their families and conducting high-visibility patrols.
Over the deployment, 11 young people were charged with 24 offences, including fraud, going armed to cause fear, assault police, stealing and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
A 17-year-old Eli Waters boy was charged with one count each of enter dwelling and commit, receiving tainted property and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
It will be alleged he stole an Audi Q3 from a Bli Bli address between May 16 and 17.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in the Hervey Bay Childrens Court on June 19.
A 15-year-old Kawungan boy was charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle in relation to the same incident.
He was due to appear in the Hervey Bay Childrens Court on June 5.
A 17-year-old Dundowran boy was charged with two counts of obstruct police officer, two counts of assault police officer and one count of going armed as to cause fear.
It will be alleged that he pointed a replica firearm at motorists at Dundowran Beach in July last year.
He is due to appear in Hervey Bay Childrens Court on July 3.
Since Taskforce Guardian commenced operations in May 2023, state-wide more than 1,300 young people have been arrested on 4,200 offences with more than 500 diverted from the youth justice system.
Taskforce Guardian also works with key support services and local resources to engage at-risk young people with relevant programs and services, focusing on health, education, disability services and First Nations initiatives.
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.
