VICTIMS OF NQ CRIME DESERVE ANSWERS

AT the peak of Townsville’s youth crime epidemic 12 months ago, the city welcomed the introduction of a GPS tracking device trial. Homes were being burgled and cars stolen almost every night of the week as a region under the siege of constant youth-driven crime demanded the state government get tough on the ringleaders of this North Queensland scourge.

The electronic monitoring device was brought in to ensure offenders rounded up by police were complying with their curfew conditions while on bail. Today the Townsville Bulletin reveals that only two offenders were fitted with the ankle devices.

Network coverage issues plagued

Juveniles could be ruled out if they didn’t have a stable bail address

the rollout in the early stages, and it was criticised by Opposition politicians for not having a broad enough eligibility group. Juveniles could be ruled out if they didn’t have a stable bail address or lacked parent or carer support. Youth Justice Minister Leanne Linard told the Townsville Bulletin the future of the program would be considered following an independent review and an interim report by former police commissioner Bob Atkinson. Opposition spokesman for police Dale Last called the trial a “resounding failure”.

If the program is abandoned and youth crime spikes again, Townsville’s victims of crime will hold the state government’s own track record to account.