New police data has revealed car thefts have soared in Bundaberg due to Labor’s weaker laws and falling police numbers.
The data reported 194 cars were stolen last year, up from 144 in 2022.
The numbers show a staggering rise of 177% since Labor first came to office and watered down the laws in 2015, when 70 cars were stolen in Bundaberg that year.
Across the Wide Bay Burnett District, a shocking 860 vehicles were stolen in 2023 making it the worst year on record.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said people no longer feel safe in their own homes.
“I’ve heard accounts of youth offenders breaking into a home in a quiet street in Bundaberg, taking keys from a woman’s nightstand while she slept, before they took off with her car,” said Mr Bennett.
“We’ve heard of brazen young thieves stealing a car in the middle of the day with a child inside.
“We’ve heard of groups of young offenders stealing multiple cars in one night.
“These reports are sickening, they’re stuff of nightmares, and they’re happening in our backyard.”
Mr Bennett said these new statistics prove crime gets worse under Labor despite them rolling out multiple ‘crime plans’ over the last four years.
“The Police Minister promised Queenslanders more police and the toughest laws in the country, but delivered neither,” he said.
“This Labor Government has refused to acknowledge there is a crime crisis or listen to the victims.
“They are in chaos and crisis and it’s clear we can no longer trust the State Labor Government.
“Bundaberg and Burnett residents deserve to feel safe in their own community and not worry about where to hide their car keys.
“It’s my priority and that of my team to make our community safer, because it’s a priority for Queenslanders.”
ENDS.
Unlawful use of Motor Vehicle – Bundaberg Year Stolen Cars
2015 – 70
2023 – 194
Percentage increase – 177%
Unlawful use of Motor Vehicle – Wide Bay Burnett Year Stolen Cars
2015 – 241
2023 – 860
Percentage increase – 256%
Source: https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/queensland-crime-statistics/#
10/01/2024