TASKFORCE Guardian has continued its work in the fight against youth crime after charging 18 young people with 68 offences in Mt Isa.
Working in conjunction with Mt Isa police, the taskforce worked in the region between 30 October and 6 November, disrupting, investigating, and preventing youth offending to enhance community safety.
Joint investigations resulted in 18 young people being charged with 68 offences, relating mostly to property crime and bail matters.
A 16-year-old Pioneer Boy was taken into custody at Pioneer on 2 November in relation to a series of property crime offences including break ins and two stolen vehicles. The boy ran from police and was taken into custody following a short foot chase.
He was charged with three counts of enter dwelling and commit, two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one count each of possess dangerous drugs, receiving tainted property, and wilful damage. He was expected to appear before Mount Isa Childrens Court on 7 November.
Mount Isa Superintendent Tom Armitt said the rapid-response arm of the State Flying Squad helped local police saturate various high-crime areas as well as finalise outstanding investigations involving young people.
“Having Taskforce Guardian in Mount Isa provides us with additional boots on the ground to continue disrupting youth offending and anti-social behaviour,” he said.
“Local police are committed to utilising every resource to enhance community safety, and will continue to focus on proactive policing in Mount Isa.”
Over the seven days, Taskforce Guardian officers and Mount Isa Police conducted engagements including street checks, bail checks, breaches of bail and warrants.
The Taskforce 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.
During the deployment, Taskforce Guardian officers engaged with business and community stakeholders who identified issues with shoplifting and stealing offences at local businesses.
Additional high-visibility patrols were deployed to deter and reduce offending at these key locations, with two teenagers arrested and charged in relation to alleged stealing offences at a Mount Isa City service station on 2 and 5 November.
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