By Jeremy Cook
Darling Downs police have hailed efforts to reduce youth crime, revealing data which showed youth offending numbers were down in 2023 compared to the previous 12 months.
Data released by police last Tuesday showed offences involving young people had reduced by 16 per cent across the district to 4,408 in 2023, down by 869 from 2022.
The number of individual young offenders had also decreased from 4683 in 2022 to 3950 in 2023, police said.
In a statement, Darling Downs District Officer Superintendent Doug McDonald said downward trends were a step in the right direction.
“We know this is just the beginning of what will be a long road of persistent efforts to reduce youth crime and keep our communities safe,” Superintendent McDonald said.
The Darling Downs police district covers a significant area outside the state’s south east corner, extending as far as Goondiwindi in the west, Murgon in the north and the entire Southern Downs region.
Warwick Police Acting Senior Sergeant Cam Slater said responses to youth offending had to be strategic.
“These young offenders are more mobile than ever before and it is vital that we co-operate with other agencies and, using all of the intelligence available to us, respond in a strategic manner,” Acting Senior Sgt Slater said.
“We are continually putting officers on the road conducting high visibility patrols at all hours of the day and night to deter offenders and to assure community members,” he said.
“Another important strategy is to maintain engagement with these young people so that they can be better equipped to make improved life choices.
“Finally, we will investigate reported offences and either utilise diversionary processes or put them before a court where appropriate.”
Superintendent McDonald said police were working to tackle youth crime from every angle.
“Each local youth program works to engage young people with support and skills that can redirect them back to education or employment,” he said.
“Safety is our key focus, and we will always take action to protect the public.”
