Third of teens reoffend

Data shows core group flouts court orders

SHOCKING figures released by the Queensland parliament show roughly a third of all young offenders sentenced in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court reoffend in less than a month.

The data came to light after Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts submitted a Question on Notice to Minister for Children and Youth Justice Leanne Linard.

It shows that on average 28-36 young people commit an offence every month in the Toowoomba Local Government Area.

Of those between 10-15 go on to commit further offences while on bail.

A large portion of those offences related to stolen cars.

The Darling Downs had 717 reported offences of Unlawful Use of Motor Vehicle from January 1- June 30 of this year.

Mr Watts said it shows why the Youth Justice Act must be amended to bring back breaching bail as an offence.

“The judiciary needs the government to strengthen the legislation,” he said.

“We need to make sure the next generation don’t follow the examples they see.

“We as a community need to ensure services are available to help the next generation be a part of our community not against it.”

As it stands the sentencing guidelines for Queensland magistrates state a young offender can only be held in custody as a last resort or if their alleged offending involves violence.

The Chronicle has spoken to several police in recent months who have expressed frustration at the amount of time spent preparing detailed bail objections only to have them dismissed by the court.

Mr Watts echoed their concerns. “The Government’s record spending doesn’t fix their record on crime,” he said.

“Wastefully spending taxpayer dollars doesn’t solve the crime issues.

“Unfortunately for the people of Toowoomba they are forced to make their own record spends on CCTV cameras and security because this Government is letting them down.”