Whiskey Legion to Flood Townsville Hotspots in 8-Day Blitz

A major multi-level police operation has commenced in Townsville for its next deployment, after saturating the Mount Isa District over the last two weeks.

Operation Whiskey Legion involves specialist police from Highway Patrol, Crime and Intelligence Command, Rail Squad, Water Police, Dog Squad and Crime Prevention joining forces with local police to target high-risk crime in the area.

The additional officers will provide high police visibility, focusing on shopping precincts, at public transport hubs and other known hotspots across the district, during the deployment.

Between September 11 and 18, the community can expect to see high visibility patrols and crime prevention activities to engage with residents about their security.

Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors said the additional resources will enhance local policing capabilities to reduce crime and strengthen community safety.

"Officers in Townsville will collaborate with our specialist teams to target those posing the most significant risk to public safety and who are causing the most harm," Assistant Commissioner Connors said.

"There is also a strong focus on saturating local highways and roads, to target dangerous drivers."

Townsville District Officer Chief Superintendent Graeme Paine said the Townsville District is excited to welcome the additional resources to bolster local police in the ground.

"The operation will primarily address high-harm offences including robberies, burglaries, serious assaults, vehicle theft and domestic and family violence," Chief Superintendent Paine said.

"It will also involve connecting with victims of crime and the wider community about crime prevention, wanding activities and ongoing initiatives for community safety.

Since April, 3,269 people have been charged with 8,307 offences as part of Operation Whiskey Legion.