Crime down and Queensland families safer

Queensland families are the safest they’ve been in half a decade because of revitalised frontline police, smarter technology and stronger laws.

Premier Campbell Newman joined Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jack Dempsey and Police Commissioner Ian Stewart to reveal the rate of Queensland reported offences were dramatically down 11 per cent for the 2013/14 financial year.

“This Government is determined to make Queensland the safest place to live, work, visit and raise a family,” Mr Newman said.

“Eight hundred additional police as part of our election commitment, armed with better resources are keeping our streets safer.

“The rate of reported offences against property has dropped 11 per cent across Queensland, a reduction of almost 22,000 offences. That’s the equivalent of making all the homes safer in a town the size of Maryborough or Mt Isa.

“Almost 2,300 fewer cars have been stolen and there were more than 8,000 fewer break-ins to homes and businesses, meaning more and more hard-working mums and dads can go about their day-to-day lives without fear of becoming a victim of crime.

“When we were elected we promised to be tougher on crime and we promised to boost frontline policing and that‘s exactly what we’ve done.”

The statistics show:

•          The rate of reported robbery is down 18 per cent, a drop 300 offences.
•          The rate of reported other theft is down 7 per cent, a drop of 4,945 offences.
•          The rate of reported fraud is down 11 per cent, a drop of 1,754 offences.
•          The rate of reported assault is down 6 per cent, a drop of 865 offences.
•          The rate of reported arson is down 20 per cent, a drop of 269 offences.
•          The rate of reported homicide is down 20 per cent, a drop of 9 offences.
•          The rate of reported handling stolen goods is down 3 per cent, a drop of 81 offences.
•          The rate of reported other offences against the person is down 13 per cent, a drop of 405 offences.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said smarter, borderless policing with technology like iPads and iPhones were getting results for Queensland families.

“Mums, dads and their children can sleep easier at night knowing their streets are safer,” Mr Dempsey said.

“Businesses are also better protected with unlawful entry to shops down a massive 32 per cent.

“Our strong plan for law and order is making the future brighter and safer for all Queenslanders.”

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said other offences were up 11 per cent because of greater community confidence and because there were more frontline police on the beat to uncover these offences.

“We’ve detected 16 per cent more drug offences per 100,000 persons, 13 per cent more liquor offences and 12 per cent more weapons act offences because of better intelligence and greater resources,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“It’s not only the arrests that are having an effect. It’s the fact that we’re actually preventing a lot of crime by sheer numbers of police out there.

“At the same time people are feeling safer and more empowered to report crimes like extortion.

“I thank the community for its support in helping the police service to stop crime and make the community safer.”

[ENDS] 6 August 2014

Media Contacts:  Premier’s Office 3719 7000 or Minister Dempsey: Andrew Kos 0408 912 821