A high-visibility blitz on summer crime has resulted in the Queensland Police Service (QPS) arresting more than 1,300 people, including 500 youth offenders.
Minister for Police, Mark Ryan said the officers attached to Operation Uniform Theta laid more than 2,700 charges and conducted more than 3,200 hotspot patrols in the operation’s first four weeks.
“Police have been on the front foot, conducting high-visibility patrols in known hotspots and engaging with young people over the holiday period,” Mr Ryan said.
“The operation has seen thousands of extra officer hours dedicated to preventing and disrupting anti-social and criminal behaviour on our streets.”
He said it was well-known that a high police presence in public spaces and suburban areas had a strong deterrence effect and sent a clear message to would-be offenders.
Since the operation began on 19 December last year, 742 adults were arrested on 1,329 offences, while 574 juveniles also arrested on 1,408 offences.
The Minister said an additional 2,200 police shifts had been allocated on top of normal policing services for the duration of the operation.
Acting Deputy Commissioner at QPS, Mark Wheeler said Operation Uniform Theta was having a significant impact on key policing districts.
“Traditionally, we do see an increase in property crime and anti-social behaviour over the summer holiday period,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Wheeler said.
“Through this operation, officers are employing a number of strategies to proactively prevent and disrupt criminal activities, including walking through shopping precincts, engaging with business operators and patrolling residential areas.”
