Branded car theft capital of the state
NEW data has revealed a sharp increase in the number of cars stolen in Townsville, with the Opposition labelling the city the car theft capital of Queensland.
Data provided to the Townsville Bulletin from CarSafe shows vehicle theft in Townsville has increased 124.5 per cent in the 12 months to August. The data shows this is the biggest rise in Queensland, with 321 cars stolen, up from 143.
There has also been a 113.4 per cent jump in Mackay, with the number of cars stolen increasing from 67 to 143 in the 12 months to August.
Cairns has experienced an 88.3 per cent increase in stolen cars.
The only local government area that has experienced a drop in car thefts is Logan, which dropped 7 per cent. The number of cars stolen in Brisbane has soared by nearly 20 per cent.
Opposition leader David Crisafulli said youth crime was ripping apart communities.
“The Opposition has consistently called for the state government to restore breach of bail as an offence for young criminals,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“Repeat offenders should not be allowed to put the safety of Queenslanders at risk.”
Opposition police spokesman Dale Last said thousands of Queenslanders fell victim to car thefts each year and the state government was failing to stamp it out.
“Youth crime has increased 183 per cent in Queensland since 2015,” Mr Last said.
“More cars are being stolen in Queensland more often under this state government.
“Police are contacting me every day expressing their frustration. They are powerless to take action against young offenders.”