Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett is tackling the youth crime wave head-on by donning an apron and tongs.
Mr Bennett has teamed up with community advocates to reclaim Mary Kinross Park and put a stop to vandals.
The Member for Burnett will hold a community sausage sizzle on the 9th of December and said it’s all about open communication and engaging with youth in the community.
“It’s time to get control back,” Mr Bennett said.
“In the last month there have been 142 unlawful entries, 429 other thefts, and 163 assaults in the Wide Bay Burnett police division.
“In the last 12 months unlawful use of motor vehicles soared by 25%.
“Unfortunately, troubled youths always fall on the responsibility of our police.
“QPS is already stretched to the limit, there needs to be a health and welfare response as well.
“This is something I feel strongly about and will continue to fight to find a solution for all residents.
“We know Labor is soft on crime so it’s vital we tackle the issue from all angles.
“We need the State Government to strengthen laws and introduce breach of bail as an offence.
“Vandals and troublemakers are taking a terrible toll on local businesses, residents, and charities; we need to fight for them.
“The Palaszuzcuk Government has hidden youth crime reports, broken promises to deliver more police, watered down youth justice laws, and has no plan to fix the problem.
“Queenslanders deserve so much better.”
Community Advocate Dawn McMullin said it’s time to find a solution.
“We’re regularly seeing damaged to the amenities, to public scooters and the surrounding trees and environment at the park,” she said.
“There are broken bottles, and all sort of unsanitary items left behind that you certainly wouldn’t want a child to find.
“We’re seeing more and more youth crime in the area and as a community I believe it’s time to come up with solutions.
“So please, come along to our BBQ and bring your ideas, solutions and an open mind.”
Wide Bay Burnett Police Division:
In the last month (5 November 2022 – 4 December 2022)
There have been 142 unlawful entries (more than 4 a day)
There have been 429 other thefts (more than 14 a day)
There have been 163 assaults (more than 5 a day)
https://qps-ocm.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/index.html
12-month comparison
| 2021 | 2022 (so far) | Increase | |
| Unlawful Use of Motor Vehicle | 475 | 597 | 25 % |
https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/queensland-crime-statistics/
ENDS.
05/12/2022