Call for answers on crime

LOCAL leaders are calling for a longterm solution to the city’s problems after warnings yesterday that crime rates are rising.

The community is at the end of their tether as the city surges back towards crime levels that saw Townsville dubbed Crimsville.

Deputy Mayor Les Walker said the crime “scourge” was affecting all aspects of the community.

“Crime in general is out of control,” he said.

“It doesn’t seem unique to Townsville. Up and down the coast, it’s pretty bad, so we need to make sure the police are well resourced to do what they have to do, to get the guys before the courts.

“Any theft, break- and- enter or stolen vehicle is one too many, especially for the victim.

“It’s a domino effect for the com- munity. It’s a sick feeling, I’ve been a victim of a break- in, it’s terrible. Once you’ve had that happen, the level of anger and suspicion then becomes embedded into the community.”

Burdekin MP Dale Last said a solution needed to be found and it needed to be found soon.

“The residents of Townsville have a right to say ... enough, enough. This has just gone on for far too long,” Mr Last said.

“Everything that has been done up until this point has been a short- term measure and it is now obvious that there needs to be some measures put in place which are going to address the crime problem long term.

“All options should be on the table and a part of the solution should see those people ( police management) going to people at the coal face, the operational police officers, who are dealing with these issues on a day- today basis.”