Shake- up aims to put dent in crime
PERSONNEL changes are being considered at one of Townsville’s busiest police stations.
Townsville police Chief Superintendent Kev Guteridge confirmed plans to shift the Property Crime Unit into Kirwan Police Station “as soon as possible” with Kirwan- based Criminal Investigation Branch detectives set for a potential move into the CBD as part of the shake- up.
It’s hoped the move will lead to police having more success in the ongoing battle against property crime, particularly offences committed by young people.
Chief Supt Guteridge said the relocation would place the Property Crime Unit closer to the nearby Tactical Crime Squad, Rapid Action Patrol group and the Townsville Stronger Communities Action Group.
The plan is to have all four groups working closely together in more of a taskforce model to not only pinch more offenders, but help drive prevention programs in the area to cut property crime off before it happens.
“The focus for us is always on stopping crime before it occurs,” Chief Supt Guteridge said.
He said while nothing was “set in stone” at the moment there appeared to be no negative outcomes to the shift in resources, which could place Kirwan- based detectives back into town alongside fellow CIB and Child Protection and Investigation Unit detectives.
“It’s about getting the model right,” Chief Supt Guteridge said.
He said the move made sense in many ways as it would enable more rapid responses to property crime in an area where youth and property crime was particularly prevalent.
Chief Supt Guteridge said property crime officers also needed access to holding cells, storage and other facilities, which made Kirwan station a viable option.
Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper welcomed news of the shift and said it would enable more collaboration between the Property Crime Unit and other units to target “recidivist and high- risk offenders”.
He said the Townsville Stronger Communities Action Group and extra officers delivered for the Rapid Action Patrol group had helped reduce rates of property crime offending.
Mr Harper congratulated police on their efforts so far targeting property crime and he called on sentencing to meet community expectations when offenders came before the courts.
The Kirwan station was also set for some changes of its own with tradesmen currently assessing the scale of works required for upgrades.
Chief Supt Guteridge said it was routine maintenance which “should’ve been done years ago”.
He said the focus was on modernising the airconditioning and plumbing systems at the station.
The Bulletin understands some of the works will focus on a deteriorating toilet block.
Chief Supt Guteridge said maintenance of stations had been one of his focuses when he took on the role and it was important to maintain a safe working environment at stations around the region.