By Jeremy Cook
The Southern Downs might not be immune to youth crime, but an analysis of more than two decades worth of crime stats showed no clear trend in youth offending.
Data published by the Queensland Police Service showed the number of alleged offences committed by juveniles across the Southern Downs council area hit a peak of 1432 in 2013 before steadily declining to its lowest point on record in 2021.
The number of offences then suddenly surged by about 144 per cent in 2022 before roughly halving in 2023.
As of July, young people have committed approximately 403 alleged offences across the Southern Downs in 2024.
The data, which dates back to 2001, shows alleged offences committed by young people aged between 10 and 16 up until February 2018 when laws were expanded to also include 17-year-olds as youth offenders. It does not include offenders whose age or gender is not specified in police records, the QPS website states.
Warwick Police Acting Senior Sergeant Shane Reid said the majority of cases involved offenders from out of town.
“Youth Crime is occurring everywhere, and Warwick is not immune,” Acting Snr Sgt Reid said.
“Irregular spikes of break and enters and stolen vehicles stem from small groups of youths either travelling through Warwick or deciding to travel to Warwick and target us directly,” he said.
“In most cases the offenders are transient between neighbouring towns and are quickly identified through CCTV footage, links to other offences, vehicles being stopped using tyre deflation devices, or other evidence gathering techniques.”
Police data revealed property-related crimes accounted for the region’s top five most common alleged youth offences throughout the first six months of 2024. Drug offences, car thefts, assaults, other property damage and shop thefts rounded out the top 10.
“In public areas we have seen wilful damage to public toilets and graffiti being sprayed on buildings and business signs,” Acting Snr Sgt Reid said.
“Last week two offenders were located by police after good information provided by the public leading to multiple charges of graffiti. The offenders were still in possession of spray cans at the time of being arrested,” he said.
“Break and enters of houses and the stealing of vehicles generally occur in an overnight targeting of Warwick.”
Just last month, a Warwick teen was slapped with 94 charges over a string of alleged break-ins across Brisbane and Gatton.
Acting Snr Sgt Reid said many offences were being committed by “opportunistic” offenders and provided some key advice to those concerned for their safety.
“Many offences are committed by opportunistic offenders who simply check doors and windows of dwellings or vehicles and if unlocked, proceed to steal items of value or car keys, and then steal the vehicle as well,” he said.
“Residents and owners can help to reduce becoming a victim of crime by ensuring vehicles and buildings are locked and secured.
“Locking vehicles and hiding your car keys inside your house assist in reducing these offences.
“With the warmer months now coming don’t become complacent leaving windows and doors unlocked at night whilst sleeping as this increases the chances of you becoming a victim.
Acting Snr Sgt Reid said police had increased regular foot patrols through Warwick CBD and Rose City Shoppingworld during the past three months.
Warwick Police will soon expand their presence in high traffic public areas such as the shopping centre under recent changes to Jack’s Law which grant officers powers to use metal detecting wands to search and catch people carrying knives in public.
He said the public remained a vital source of information for reporting suspicious activity or offences.
“Police cannot be everywhere 24/7 but accurate information reported at the time something is occurring is our best opportunity to locating the offenders,” Acting Snr Sgt Reid said.
Statewide figures released in July revealed a reduction in the rate of youth offending by 6.7 per cent compared to the previous 2022/23 financial year. The rate of unique youth offenders also reduced by 4 per cent in the same time and by 32 per cent since 2012/13.
