Crim taskforce nets 75
A CRACKDOWN on “prolific offenders” in Tasmania’s South has resulted in 75 arrests for 250 crimes such as shoplifting, wounding, assault and aggravated burglary.
Operation Saturate, which started early last month, was designed to dampen crime by checking repeat offenders were complying with court or- ders and not engaging in more illegal behaviour.
So far 75 people have been charged with more than 250 crimes.
“To turn around an increase in crime in the South of the state, Operation Saturate’s 14strong taskforce is focusing on prolific offenders: checking they are complying with courtordered curfews, searching their houses and immediately locating and arresting them after they commit further offences,” taskforce head Inspector John Ward said yesterday.
“The taskforce is particularly focused on volume crime including home burglary, car burglary and shoplifting.”
He said the 75 people arrested were among the most prolific offenders in the South.
“By arresting and closely monitoring them we’re trying to make life as uncomfortable as we possibly can for them,” Insp Ward said.
“Our most prolific recidivists offend constantly and our taskforce officers are monitoring them very closely to hold them to account.
“While we continue to have a high arrest and charge rate for these crimes, police can’t reduce this type of offending on our own. We’re asking the community and business owners help us too.
“People can help prevent their homes, cars and businesses from becoming targets for thieves by taking some simple steps to make them less appealing to criminals.
“If we take away the easy opportunities for these people to steal then we reduce crime.”
Charges laid during the crackdown include: breach of bail conditions; warrant (fail to appear in court); common assault; wounding; threaten and resist police; obstruct police; aggravated burglary; burglary and stealing; stealing (shoplifting); motor vehicle stealing; destroy property; possess firearms (either stolen or unlawfully obtained); possess firearm part, possess ammunition; use of prohibited substances (drugs) and selling controlled drug.