Townsville still targeted but Cairns worse off

PROPERTY crime is down about 15 per cent in Townsville compared with the shocking 2016 statistics that led to the city being labelled “Crimsville”.

Queensland Police Service online statistics show there were 7789 property crime offences reported in Townsville so far this year, compared with 9168 in 2016. These figures relate to break and enter, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, robbery and other theft offences.

Townsville Superintendent Steve Munro said the drop in crime was a good sign, but statistics were often skewed by repeat offenders.

“It’s always a good sign but our whole mission is to stop crime. In a perfect world we would not have any crime,” he said.

“We proactively target recidivist offenders. The figures speak for themselves. Often when we have our recidivist offenders in custody we do see a decline in the property- type offences, particularly break and enters and unlawful use of motor vehicles.”

In terms of property crime rate per capita, Townsville has dropped below Cairns. Townsville had almost 42 property offences per 1000 people living in the city while Cairns had more than 55.

Crime is still higher per capita in Townsville than Brisbane, with the state’s capital recording 36 property offences per 1000 residents.

The statistics showed every form of property crime in Townsville was down from 2016. Break and enters dropped 12 per cent, while unlawful use of motor vehicle offences fell 26 per cent.

“We are actively trying to stay one step ahead of offenders and have a strong presence in the community,” Supt Munro said. “We are very optimistic 2018 is going to be a much better year.” SAM BIDEY