Dose of reality on stats
Criminologist claims drop in reported drug offences reflects lack of enforcement
NEW crime data flags concerns that Gold Coast cops do not have dedicated teams of detectives to chase down druggies on the Glitter Strip.
Bond University criminologist Dr Terry Goldsworthy yesterday renewed calls for a drug squad for the Coast after number crunching statistics for the past financial year.
Reported drug offences for the Coast have decreased from 8917 to 7650 in the past 12 months, down by 12.2 per cent, which compares to a statewide drop of six per cent.
Dr Goldsworthy said he believed the decrease was driven by a lack of proactive policing where cops conduct surveillance and raids.
“In other words we are seeing more crime reported by the public, but less enforcement actions by the police in the areas such as drugs and weapon crime for instance,” he said.
The statistics showed a turnaround from 2014 when Commissioner Ian Stewart remarked about the increase in drug arrests and arrests for street offences, which illustrated the police effort.
The new Coast figures are against a backdrop where the Bulletin reported during its Golden Age series:
● The call for a dedicated drug squad bringing the city on par with police resourcing in regional centres such as Townsville and Cairns.
● Police numbers were going backwards with almost 100 less cops on the Coast despite promises of recruits to boost the ranks made before last year’s state election.
A group calling itself the Pimpama Civilian Response Team and comprising about 20 locals announced it would patrol northern Coast at night to deter criminals and make a citizen’s arrest of anyone caught doing the wrong thing.
A Gold Coast police source said the latest figures cast a poor light on resourcing.
“On the Gold Coast you must have a strong increase in good order offences. You are an entertainment precinct,” the police source said.
“We certainly have an alarming reputation for drug abuse. Your drug arrests crime must increase (to show police are working). You must have a decrease in robberies.
“One of the biggest damning things with reported drug offences is the rest of the state is holding ground. Anyone who doesn’t think you have a drug problem here, you are living in a cave.”
A police spokesman said drug offences and prosecuting people who commit drug offences remained a priority for police within the Coast district.
The QPS encouraged residents who suspected drug activity to contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, which offer the ability to remain anonymous.
The spokesman added that a “district tasking and co-ordination centre” had recently been established “to ensure a timely police response to all calls for service and incidents of crime throughout the Gold Coast.”