An enhanced six-month statewide operation aimed at reducing victims of crime and targeting offenders who cause the most harm in our communities has commenced in Queensland Police Service's Southern Region.
With its official launch in Brisbane last week by newly appointed Acting Commissioner, Brett Pointing APM, Operation Yankee Forge will now see local police continue their work surging into streets and suburbs across Ipswich, Darling Downs and South West districts targeting high harm offending, in high crime locations.
The highly visible operation will focus on targeting unlawful use, robbery and unlawful entry offences, with officers focused on preventing, disrupting and investigating crime.
Locally led and centrally coordinated, the operation will leverage the knowledge and experience of police officers who know their communities best. Specialist capabilities will be drawn upon by each district for greater support, with officers from areas including the State Flying Squad, Dog Squad and Public Safety Response Team set to be deployed imminently.
Speaking at today's launch at Highfields Police Station, Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl said the success of regional operations including Xray Lionrock and Xray Martello have already established a solid foundation to which Operation Yankee Forge can build upon.
"Similar to what we are already doing here in the Southern Region, our responses for this operation will be tailored for local issues and have the flexibility to strategically shift gears to target high crime in high harm locations." Assistant Commissioner Vanderbyl said.
"Taking a continuous improvement approach, we will revise our systems, processes, and deployment methodologies to ensure the operation evolves, based on evidence, intelligence and crime trends.
"We know that taking both a high-visibility and covert approach to identifying and preventing crime is key to reducing the number of victims and the fear of crime.
"As part of this operation we will be carrying out proactive activities, including community engagement, wandings and bail compliance checks."
"I also encourage community members to look out for one another, report suspicious behaviour and take practical steps to protect their homes and neighbourhoods. By staying connected and alert, communities play a vital role in preventing crime and reducing harm.
Assistant Commissioner Vanderbyl said the operation would go a long way towards further assisting the QPS to remain steadfast in its commitment to combating crime and enhancing public confidence.
"I want to send a clear message to criminals - if you cause harm in our communities, we will find you and you will be held to account.
"Our people do incredible work each and every day on the job tracking down offenders and will continue to do so during this operation. I want to thank and commend them for their continued dedication and care for their communities."
0.00 – 0.28 – Break and enter, Glenvale
A 41-year-old Harlaxton man has been charged following a break and enter offence at Glenvale on 28 February. Around 7.40am police were called to a business on Drayton Wellcamp Road following reports a man had allegedly entered the premises and removed an amount of copper wire before leaving the scene. Officers located the man at the scene taking him into custody where he was charged with one count each of enter premises and commit indictable offence, possession of a knife in a public place, possession of implements used in relation to particular offences, obstruct police and driving without a licence. He is due to appear in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on 2 March.
0.29 – 0.57– Unlawful use of motor vehicle, Redbank Plains
Police have charged two teenage boys following a stolen vehicle incident in Redbank Plains on 28 February. Around 8.50am police received reports two people entered an address on Vince Elmore Way stealing a white 2016 BMW X5 from a Vince Elmore Way property before leaving the scene. Following investigations police located the stolen vehicle on Atlantic Drive in Brassall at around 10.50am where both offenders were arrested at the scene and taken into custody. An 18-year-old Goodna teen has been charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle. A 16-year-old Redbank Plains boy has been charged with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, enter dwelling and commit, receiving tainted property and driving without a licence. Both teenagers are due to appear in Ipswich Childrens Court 2 March.
0.58 – 1.17 – Property offences Goondiwindi
Police have charged two men following a break and enter offence in Goondiwindi on 20 February. Around 3pm it is alleged the men entered a Bowen Lane property stealing multiple tools from a trailer before leaving the scene. Both men were arrested following the execution of a search warrant at a Stratford Street address in Goondiwindi on 24 February. A 27-year-old Goondiwindi man has been charged with two counts of enter premises and commit. A 39-year-old Goondiwindi man has been charged with one count of enter premises and commit. Both are due to appear in the Goondiwindi Magistrates Court on 25 March.
1.18 – 1.48 – Robbery, Ipswich
Police have charged two boys, aged 11 and 12, following a robbery offence in Ipswich on 1 March. Around 2.40pm a woman was walking along Brisbane Street when she was allegedly approached by three youths who pushed her to the ground before stealing her handbag and leaving the scene on foot. The 63-year-old woman was not physically injured. Police tracked two of the youths to a nearby train station where they were arrested and taken into custody. A 12-year-old Riverview boy and an 11-year-old Leichhardt boy have both been charged with one count of robbery. The 12-year-old is due to appear in Ipswich Childrens Court today while the 11-year-old is due to appear in Ipswich Childrens Court on 3 March. Investigations continue.
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.
