Since the beginning of March this year, an extra 9,499 proactive police patrols and activities have been conducted on the Darling Downs as part of a leading police operation aimed at enhancing community safety.
Operation Victor Unison focuses on preventing, disrupting and investigating youth crime through community engagement and extreme high visibility patrols in intelligence driven hotspot locations.
As part of the operation, officers have undertaken 9,499 proactive patrols across the Darling Downs in addition to regular duties.
Police have charged 385 adults with 744 offences while 186 juveniles have been charged with 328 offences.
Across the state, the operation has also resulted in more than 6,700 people being charged with more than 11,200 offences – including 2,300 juveniles being arrested on 4,400 charges.
Patrols have largely involved a dedicated police presence using marked vehicles, Mobile Police Beats and foot patrols in hot spots such as shopping centres, business, retail and restaurant precincts, service stations and other public places.
The boots-on-the-ground style operation is also allowing more opportunities for police and Police Liaison Officers to engage with young people.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said police are seeing significantly high levels of community engagement and law enforcement.
“Having extra police in areas such as shopping centres, parklands, public and transport areas is not only enhancing public safety but is also preventing and disrupting criminal and anti-social behaviour,” Minister Ryan said.
“It is also a really good opportunity for business owners and community members to speak with their local police about issues affecting them.”
“I am also very pleased with the uptake of participants for the vehicle immobiliser trial where vehicle owners are significantly boosting their vehicle’s security with the help of the Government’s subsidy.”
For maximum protection, an engine immobiliser that meets Australian Standard 4601:1999 provides the most effective deterrent to opportunistic vehicle theft.
However, it offers no protection if a thief has easy access to your car keys.
Acting Deputy Commissioner, Kev Guteridge said police are deploying Mobile Police Beat vehicles in communities across Queensland where officers will temporarily base them-selves and engage with community members.
“Our crime prevention officers are also highly active in our communities, providing advice to residents and vehicle owners about boosting their security,” he said.
This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 5 October 2023.
