Taskforce Guardian Hits Hervey Bay

The State Flying Squad has swept into Hervey Bay, nabbing 35 people on 70 charges during a week-long youth crime crackdown.

Between March 11 and March 18, rapid response team Taskforce Guardian worked alongside expert Youth Justice workers and frontline police to target recidivist property offenders and bolster community safety throughout the greater North Coast region.

This included conducting numerous engagements including street checks, bail checks, breaches of bail and warrants.

A total of 26 young people were arrested on 48 charges and nine adults on 22 offences, with most charges related to stolen vehicles, break and enters and bail offences.

Taskforce Guardian also works with key support services and local resources to engage at-risk youth with relevant programs, focusing on health, education, disability services and First Nations initiatives.

The borderless nature of Taskforce Guardian allows the team to deploy at any time, where support is needed most across the state.

Wide Bay District Officer Superintendent Paul Algie said the surge response team was an effective tool to strengthen the district’s response to youth crime and anti-social behaviour.

“The operation has assisted our local police with both crime reduction and crime prevention, helping us to saturate problem areas to disrupt youth offending.

“Having the additional presence in our community sends a strong message to anyone thinking of committing offences. We will find you and we will hold you to account.

“We are committed to ensuring our community feels safe and I want to assure the public that police are working hard, and will continue to do so, to combat youth offending.”