Police continue crackdown on Townsville property crime

Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor | October 18, 2022

Simultaneous police operations are continuing across the Townsville district to combat a wave of property crime that’s gripped the northern city this year.

Operations Cygnus and Casuarina have led to more than 1140 people being charged with 3417 offences in 2022.

Police said Cygnus targets prolific property offenders and has led to 1038 people being arrested on 3105 charges, including 260 adults and 778 juveniles.

Detective Inspector Jason Shepherd said police were tracking down offenders and charging them as part of an on-going property crime operation.

“Our dedicated team involves officers from the Property Crime Unit, Tactical Crime, RAP, the Dog Squad, and Intelligence.

“They continue to track down our most prolific property offenders and we will continue to target property offenders.

“We closely monitor crime trends and our Townsville Prevention and Disruption Group established Operation Uniform Casuarina on September 26 after noticing an increase in reported property crime activity, particularly stolen vehicles.

““The operation is focused on targeting known recidivist property crime offenders and further disrupting their use of stolen vehicles through tactical strategies.

“There also remains a heavy focus on prevention, with first time offenders being diverted through cautioning and other restorative justice processes.

“Prevention requires a whole of community approach, and Townsville District Police recognise the great relationship we have with the Townsville community.”

The operation has led to 63 adults being charged with 268 offences and 39 juveniles with 44 offences.

Officers have also located and handed over 56 wanted property offenders to the Townsville Property Crime Unit.