Cops hail tumble in car crime statistics

A HUGE decline in car thefts can be attributed to a “perfect storm” of factors, with a Townsville inspector saying police are working harder than ever to stem crime.

Queensland Police data shows an 80 per cent decrease in offences of unlawful uses of a motor vehicle since the region hit a historic peak of property crime and car theft in February. The slump comes weeks after four teenagers were killed in an alleged stolen car crash at Garbutt.

In June, just 36 offences of unlawful use of a motor vehicle were recorded across the Townsville District compared to 54 offences in May.

These statistics are in stark contrast to the region’s worst crime crisis recorded, with 179 stolen car offences noted in February this year.

Townsville Country Patrol Group Inspector Damian Irvine said the reduction was due to three main factors: police operations, COVID-19 and success with bail objections.

Insp Irvine said the pandemic made it easier for police to notice young people walking around in the night.

“You only have to drive around after dark and see the number of people circulating a lot less,” he said. “It’s not easy to move around unimpeded.”

Operation Romeo Saville was another major factor.

Since October last year, 255 people, mostly children, have been charged with 2666 offences. The specialised property crime teams are putting these offenders before the courts and opposing bail.

Insp Irvine said police were noticing more success in the court systems compared to 30 years ago. “You only have to lock up the 30 or 40 (main offenders) and crime goes down.”