THE NORTHERN FRIGHTS
Police numbers fail to match population increase
THE city’s fast-growing northern suburbs account for up to a quarter of all breakins on the Gold Coast, new figures reveal.
Yet the area has about half the number of police officers as inner-city hot spots.
Queensland Police figures show break-ins and property invasions (897) in the Coomera police district in the 12 months to June accounted for nearly 25 per cent of the 3881 unlawful entries Coastwide.
Vehicle break-ins were also high in the area – which encompasses Pimpama, Helensvale, Oxenford, Upper Coomera and Pacific Pines – making up 20 per cent of the 1064 offences across the city.
THE city’s fast-growing northern suburbs account for up to a quarter of all break-ins on the Gold Coast, new figures reveal.
Yet the area has about half the number of police officers as inner-city hot spots.
Queensland Police figures show break-ins and property invasions (897) in the Coomera police district in the 12 months to June accounted for nearly 25 per cent of the 3881 unlawful entries Coast-wide.
Vehicle break-ins were also high in the area – which en- compasses Pimpama, Helensvale, Oxenford, Upper Coomera and Pacific Pines – making up 20 per cent of the 1064 offences across the city.
Coomera MP Michael Crandon said people were taking advantage of the limited police numbers.
“Some of these crooks aren't stupid. They know where there are limited police resources so why wouldn't they go to those areas?” he said. Mr Crandon said the police presence was not enough to keep up with the booming population.
“Population-wise, we have the fastest-growing area in the state. It is not a lack of response by police; they have a large area to service and are doing their job as best they can.”
As of April, the Coomera district had 67 full-time equivalent officers, significantly lower than the Southport and Surfers Paradise district, which had more than 100 each.
However, Officer in Charge of the Coomera District Senior Sergeant Andrew Godbold said the rates of unlawful entries and robberies had decreased despite the rapid population growth.
The rate of car robberies had also dropped by 14 per cent in the past year.
“We are the largest police district on the Gold Coast. It is almost 500 sq km,” Sgt Godbold said. “A majority of these crimes are opportunistic so we encourage people to keep an eye out as best they can and remain vigilant.”
Coomera woman Courtney Whitehead said the petty crime had affected both her home life and business.
Two weeks ago the parttime make-up artist woke to find a number of her possessions missing.
Tools used for her mobile hair and make-up clients had been taken, along with makeup brushes worth more than $2000 and a new iPhone.
“I am now terrified, I haven’t slept a full night since the incident. I feel violated.”
Another Coomera resident Dave, who chose not to be identified, last week saw someone enter his home while he was loading his ute for work.
“I heard someone trip over shoes while I was grabbing something from upstairs. Once I came down they had gone.
“I learnt two days later the family down the street were broken into at the same time.
“There have been a few occasions where you see someone in your backyard or trying to get into your house.”
Sgt Godbold said a lack of secure parking in new developments was a contributing factor.