Crime upsurge prompts shopping centre to beef up security presence

TOWNSVILLE’S main shopping centre has ramped up security measures after a spate of crime around the complex.

A Stockland spokeswoman said LED security lighting had been upgraded while 24- hour CCTV surveillance and a security guard with dog had been brought in to patrol the outside of the Stockland shopping centre at Aitkenvale. The move is in response to a recent spree of bag snatching.

An 11- year- old boy was the latest youngster charged over a bag- snatch incident at one of the centres.

The boy and another 14- year- old male allegedly targeted a 55- year- old woman near Stockland at Aitkenvale about 6.15pm on Tuesday. They approached the woman from behind, ripped her handbag from her shoulder and took off. The woman gave chase and grabbed her handbag back, and the offenders rode away on bicycles.

The woman was left with minor injuries to her left hand.

Townsville police district Eastern Patrol Group Inspector Damien Crosby praised the work of Criminal Investigation Branch officers for finding the offenders within 24 hours.

Insp Crosby said the two young boys were part of a group known to police. The 14- year- old was dealt with under the Youth Justice Act while the 11- year- old was due to appear in Townsville Childrens Court on Thursday.

He was due to face charges including attempted robbery, trespass, enter with intent, stealing, wilful damage, obstruct police and possession of a knife.

His watch- house bail was denied and he was held in custody ahead of his court appearance.

A Stockland spokeswoman said their priority was ensuring the centre remained safe for customers.