Team to fight crime videos

Focus on juvenile offenders’ boasts

A SPECIALIST team has been appointed to tackle the spread of criminal videos on social media.

Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon (right) announced the measure in the wake of juveniles broadcasting their alleged exploits on platforms including Instagram and TikTok.

“I have tasked a small team to examine that,” Assistant Commissioner Scanlon said.

“Disruption is extremely important with anything online.

“Nothing good comes from giving airtime to people that post criminal activity.

“Nothing good comes from glamorising serious criminal offending.”

Earlier this month, Far North Police Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Hodgman revealed that police were considering pushing for new laws targeting the social media posts, which feature youths posing with stolen vehicles and brandishing wads of cash.

It is understood the legislation would be based on Australian counter-terrorism laws set up following the Christchurch terrorist attack which was devastatingly broadcast on social media.

Chief Supt Hodgman also announced a crime blitz that would entail officers working a 20-hour daily roster to tackle property crime.

The “surge crime operation” will launch on Tuesday, June 22, and last until Friday, June 25.

“There will be 45 staff for those four days, to reduce property crimes in the Cairns area,” Chief Supt Hodgman said.

Police will use covert and overt methods to monitor persons of interest.

“We know who our top offenders are, we know where they are,” Chief Supt Hodgman said.

Much of the police effort will focus on ensuring offenders have complied with bail conditions. Police figures since May 13 have revealed a drop in break-ins, robberies and car thefts.

“To date we have arrested 259 people on 872 charges, including 230 juveniles,” Chief Supt Hodgman said.

“We have been successful in reducing crime across the Far North district. Our robberies are down 28 per cent compared to the last financial year, unlawful entries are down 16 per cent and stealing motor vehicles is down 7.5 per cent across the metro area.”