A major police operation in Queensland has resulted in the arrest of 288 people across Cairns and the Gold Coast.
The operation, part of the new State Flying Squad, targeted serious criminals, including youth offenders, in a bid to tackle rising crime rates.
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Between February 26 and March 3, the Flying Squad arrested 230 people on the Gold Coast, with 493 offences charged.
These included serious crimes like drug trafficking, theft, and weapons offences.
In Cairns, the squad concentrated on youth crime, arresting 58 young offenders, including five repeat offenders.
The charges included a total of 197 offences, mainly for theft and violent crime.
Many of these young offenders had been involved in a string of incidents causing significant concern for local communities.
Premier David Crisafulli said the operation aimed to fight back against “a generation of untouchables.”
The State Flying Squad was launched by the Queensland Government in January to target the state’s worst offenders, both juvenile and adult.
By working with other police operations, the squad aims to reduce crime and improve public safety across the state.
“Our focus is creating a state where there are fewer victims, every day that remains our goal, and we won’t rest until there’s fewer victims.”
Minister for Police Dan Purdie noted the operation as a significant milestone in reducing crime, particularly among youth offenders.
“Young offenders and serious repeat youth offenders who have been particularly terrorising the Cairns community have been taken off the streets,” Purdie said.
To support ongoing efforts, the government has announced $32.4 million in funding to expand the Flying Squad, almost tripling its size to 60 full-time positions.
“Imagine the operational results QPS can achieve when they are at full strength.”
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