MEDIA STATEMENT: State Flying Squad strikes again in Townsville 

State Flying Squad strikes again in Townsville 

• 17 youth offenders charged by State Flying Squad during sixth operation to Townsville, specifically targeting youth crime.
• Flying Squad has taken 180 juvenile offenders into custody in Townsville since January.
• The State Flying Squad is just one way the Crisafulli Government is arresting Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis.  

The Crisafulli Government has delivered another powerful blow against youth crime in Townsville, with the State Flying Squad charging 17 juveniles on 67 offences during its sixth targeted operation in the city this year.  

The latest operation – which ran from 28 May to 5 June - is part of the Squad’s crackdown that has seen 180 juveniles charged with 666 offences across the Townsville region since January.  

Charges laid during the recent operation include multiple counts of robbery, unlawful use of motor vehicle, break and enter, assault and breach of bail, with one person arrested on 19 charges including Adult Crime, Adult Time offences.  

The former Labor Government watered down laws which allowed serious repeat juvenile offenders to run rampant through communities - including Townsville – for a decade.  

Serious repeat offenders will now face tough consequences for actions since the Crisafulli Government introduced and expanded Adult Crime, Adult Time to 33 offences.  

The State Flying Squad was also expanded by the Crisafulli Government to become the largest rapid response unit in Queensland Police history, built specifically to undo Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis.  

Townsville, one of the State’s youth crime hotspots under Labor, has been a key focus for the Squad after crime soared to record highs over the past 10 years. 

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie praised the specialist officers involved in the latest deployment, and said the results revealed exactly what happens when a government backs its police.  

“Our State Flying Squad is helping restore safety to the streets of Townsville,” Minister Purdie said.  

“It will take time to turn the tide on a decade of Labor’s weak laws and fewer police that created the Youth Crime Crisis, but we remain committed to delivering the stronger laws needed to make our community safer.  

“The State Flying Squad is just one the ways we are making our community safer, with stronger laws and early intervention we will continue delivering the reform needed to address youth crime.  

“For 10 years, police in Townsville were being forced to do their job with one hand tied behind their back, without the resources they needed. 

“Now, thanks to the Crisafulli Government, we’re backing our frontline officers with the tools and resources they need, just as we promised.” 

ENDS  

MEDIA CONTACT: Nat Gradwell 0449 186 116 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Vision - https://r2.mypolice.qld.gov.au/uploads/2025/06/06/064923_sfs-youth-crime-townsville.mp4