CHILDREN IN SERIOUS CONDITION AFTER TABLELANDS CRASH

A CRIME-prevention group has welcomed the dip in car thefts during the second quarter this year but warned it may be short-lived.

Far North Police data shows that 188 cars were stolen between January and March compared with only 105 in April to June.

Crime and Justice Action Group spokesman Aaron McLeod said the Far North Police data aligned with the anecdotal evidence.

“The COVID situation has reduced incidents of car thefts as we were anticipating for earlier in the year,” he said.

“Anecdotally on the ground, there’s a slight pick-up again of car thefts and general crime in the community.

“COVID is a bit of an anomaly and our approach is still on pre-COVID trends.”

However, Mr McLeod said “we’re expecting a slight pickup again of car thefts and general crime” as restrictions become a part of everyday life.

Police data shows that cars stolen rose from 29 in July to 39 in August.

RACQ on August 28 released data showing the Holden Commodore topping the list as the most stolen in Queensland between July 2017 and June 2020.

Making the remaining spots in the top 10 list are the LandCruiser, HiLux, Corolla and Camry, Falcon, Navara, Mazda 3, Patrol and i30.

RACQ spokeswoman Lucinda Ross said the insurer had received more than 3000 stolen vehicle claims in 2017–20 with the iconic Australian car at the top of the list for the second year in a row.

“This should act as a warning to ensure vehicle security is front of mind and that they’re switched on to the tactics of car thieves,” Ms Ross said.