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Townsville crime rates soar

More than 10 homes and businesses are broken into and at least three cars are stolen in Townsville every day, official figures show.

The Townsville Local Government Area figures show over 4000 cases of unlawful entry in the 12 months to January this year and more than 1000 instances of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

In the Townsville Police Division figures also show a 38% increase in the number of break-ins and an 18% rise in stolen vehicles in the past year compared to the previous 12 months. 

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli described the figures as shocking and said the State Government had failed the people of Townsville.

“For a year now we’ve been calling on the government to introduce breach of bail as an offence for young offenders,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“These figures speak for themselves.

“It is clear to every Queenslander that this State Government is losing control of youth crime and they are rightly fed up with it and they want action.

“It’s time the government and the Police Minister started listening to the people of Townsville.”

Shadow Police Minister Dale Last said locals and police were frustrated at the lack of resources to manage the escalating crime wave.

“Every day houses are getting broken into, businesses are robbed, cars are stolen and innocent bystanders are put in danger,” he said.

“Young criminals need to know there are consequences for their actions which is why we’ve consistently said breach of bail must become an offence for young offenders. 

“We must keep our police safe and we must keep our communities safe.”

Mr Crisafulli said about 20,000 people signed an LNP petition last year demanding breach of bail be reinstated as an offence.

“Every single Queensland community has a right to feel safe,” he said.

“Townsville residents are rightly frustrated with the lack of progress from a State Government that never delivers.

“They deserve better from this government.”

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