Special police operation seeks safer Far North Queensland streets these school holidays

The Queensland Police Service has today launched a new high visibility operation to support community safety in key areas of the State.

Police Minister Mark Ryan joined Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler in Cairns to announce the new Operation Uniform Theta, which will primarily focus on extra high-visibility officer patrols in intelligence driven locations, including public spaces and residential areas.

“This police operation is squarely focused at preventing and disrupting any anti-social or criminal behaviour over the holiday period,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Wheeler said.

“Members of the public and business operators can expect to see enhanced police resources patrolling our streets and business precincts around the clock.

“The operation will have a focus in North and Far North Queensland regions including Cairns, Townsville and Mount Isa.

“A range of strategies will be employed throughout the operation, including a high visibility police presence in intelligence driven locations, engagement activities with young people and an expansion of the Youth Crime Co-responder and bail check programs,” he said.

Operation Uniform Theta will operate in key locations across the State, and will include engagements between young people by Queensland Police and its and non-government partners.

The operation will have a specific focus in the state’s north, including dedicated policed resources and patrolling in Cairns.

Cairns MP Michael Healy said: “I know this is an issue of high importance for the Cairns community, recent spikes in car thefts and break-ins are unacceptable and I’m pleased to see an increase in the concentration of Police resources, in addition to the hard work being done across our community to ensure better outcomes for our youth.”

Barron River MP Craig Crawford said: “We have advocated for safer streets and an increased police presence to crackdown on youth crime, in particular car theft and joyriding. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own homes. I will always stand up for my community to demand consequences for unacceptable criminal offending.’’

Cook MP Cynthia Lui said: “Operation Theta is just an extension of the good police work our local crews do to protect the community each and every day in my electorate of Cook, and the work of police in the Far North, and across the state is gratefully appreciated.”

Speaker of Parliament and Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt said: “We know youth crime has become an issue in parts of Queensland. Queensland Police Service has listened to our concerns and those of our local communities and this operation to specifically deter juvenile offenders should bring great comfort to locals.”

Minister Ryan said the work of QPS to engage with young people and prevent crime was crucial over the holiday period.

“We commend the Queensland Police Service for proactively establishing this operation over the busy holiday period,” Minister Ryan said.

“I know residents and visitors to northern parts of our state will be reassured with having extra boots on the ground and on patrol, keeping our communities safe over the holidays.

“The QPS has allocated over 2200 additional shifts during the busy school holiday to conduct this high-visibility operation.

“The State Government is committed to tackling youth offending and breaking the cycle of crime for young offenders.

“Our local MPs, particularly in North and Far North Queensland have advocated strongly for their local communities. 

“And we are seeing the results of that strong representation.

“But also it’s important to remember that the Queensland Police Service constantly monitors trends within local communities right across Queensland and responds accordingly.

“One of the defining characteristics of the Queensland Police Service is its adoption of a borderless policing model which eschews the old fashioned “district model” and deploys officers in large numbers to where ever they’re needed when they’re needed.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Wheeler said offending traditionally increased over school holiday breaks.

“We do see more young people out and about, congregating in groups and less parental supervision during the Summer holiday period,” he said.

“Youth offending is a challenging, complex issue impacted by underlying factors such as social dysfunction, substance abuse, domestic violence, family dynamics and dysfunction and access to social services and support.

“The majority of juvenile offenders do not re-offend once they have initial contact with the justice system.

“Intervention and rehabilitation for young offenders are crucial in breaking the cycle of crime and delivering long-term change.”

The operation will be conducted from this week and operate to the end of January, 2023.

Media Contacts

Police Media: 3015 2444

Minister Ryan's Office: 3035 8300