Rapid response team Taskforce Guardian has debuted in Mackay, working in conjunction with dedicated Youth Justice workers and local police to target recidivist property offenders and strengthen community safety.
Between March 11 and 17 nine young people were apprehended on 38 offences, predominately for property and bail offences.
Specialist police worked in conjunction with Youth Justice workers and frontline police conducted numerous engagements including street checks, bail checks, breaches of bail and warrants.
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.
Mackay District Officer Superintendent Graeme Paine said the operation had assisted frontline police with both crime reduction and crime prevention.
“Having Taskforce Guardian in Mackay provides us with additional boots on the ground to continue disrupting youth offending and anti-social behaviour.
“Together we were able to saturate knowns hotspots while also using it as an opportunity to engage with local youth and refer them to appropriate support services.”
The borderless nature of Taskforce Guardian allows the team to deploy at any time, where support is needed most across the state.
Second clip: Police interviewed a 16-year-old Andergrove boy in relation to a number of property crime offences and was dealt with under provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
Third clip: Taskforce Guardian officers interview a 16-year-old girl in relation to a robbery that occurred in Rural View earlier this month.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
