SAFETY IN NUMBERS

OPERATION CRIME FIX: WHO WILL TAKE ON CRIMS? LNP comes out swinging with plan to give state more cops but will we get our fair share?

THE LNP has promised an extra 535 police officers for Queensland but cannot say how big a slice of the pie Cairns will get.

Crime is one of the biggest issues for Far North voters in the State Election after car thefts jumped 31 per cent in a year around the region and breakins increased by seven per cent.

The ALP announced late last month prior to the start of the campaign it would bolster policing numbers by 400 across the state, with 47, including two domestic violence coordinators, allocated to Cairns.

LNP leader Tim Nicholls will announce today the extra officers would be deployed between Cairns and the Gold Coast.

Although unable to specify numbers, he acknowledged that youth crime was “out of control” in North Queensland and action was needed.

“These additional frontline officers form part of the LNP’s commitment to provide police with the resources they need to keep Queenslanders safe,” he said.

An LNP spokesman confirmed the extra officers would come in addition to the 20 extra police the party had pledged to Cairns to form a Rapid Action Patrol squad.

The Cairns-based squad has been a top priority of Police Commissioner Ian Stewart for months.

The Cairns Post understands Mr Nicholls will also announce today a separate fund which will be used to equip the extra officers including vehicles, body worn cameras and protective clothing.

LNP police spokesman Tim Mander said police had been “crying out for” more resources to deal with crime rates.

“Queenslanders want a government that will keep their streets and communities safe, not one that favours criminals over victims and families,” he said.

“These extra resources, together with stronger laws, helped dramatically reduce crime rates across the state.”

A community group, which included Mulgrave One Nation candidate Sue Bertuch, asked pre-poll voters in Stratford yesterday to sign a petition entitled “Stop Juvenile Crime in Cairns”.

The petition calls for changes to the justice system including switching the onus of proof to the defendant and defence and parenting classes.