Cairns residents faced a shocking surge in vehicle crime over the recent holiday period, with new police data revealing a dramatic spike in thefts and break-ins throughout December.
A Dramatic December Surge
Official statistics from the Queensland Police Service show a deeply concerning trend for the Cairns community. The number of unlawful use of motor vehicle offences more than doubled in December compared to the previous month. Specifically, reported incidents jumped from 39 in November to a staggering 82 in December.
This alarming increase was not isolated to theft alone. The crime category encompassing unlawful entry of a motor vehicle with intent, which includes break-ins where items are stolen from cars, also saw a significant rise. Reports in this category climbed from 106 in November to 142 in December, painting a picture of a widespread crime wave targeting vehicles across the region.
Police Response and Community Concern
In response to the escalating situation, Far North police have launched a targeted operation. A police spokesperson confirmed that the surge is being actively addressed, stating, "Far North police have launched an operation targeting these offences."
The operation involves dedicated patrols and investigative resources focused on hotspots and known offenders. The police message to the community is twofold: to remain vigilant and to ensure they are not making it easy for criminals. A core piece of advice being emphasised is for drivers to always lock their vehicles and never leave valuables in sight, even for short periods.
Broader Crime Trends in the Region
While the vehicle crime spike is the most pronounced, the latest Queensland Police Service data for the Cairns police district reveals fluctuations in other offence categories as well. There was a slight decrease in assaults, but other property crimes and public nuisance offences showed increases, indicating broader community safety challenges.
The end-of-year period often sees changes in crime patterns, but the magnitude of the jump in car-related offences has particularly alarmed both authorities and locals. Community social media pages and neighbourhood watch groups have been flooded with reports and warnings about suspicious activity, with many residents sharing their own experiences of theft or attempted break-ins.
Staying Secure: A Community Effort
Police are urging the Cairns community to work with them to curb this trend. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour around vehicles or in car parks immediately. Quick reporting can lead to faster police response and increased chances of apprehending offenders.
Simple security measures are being promoted as the first line of defence:
- Always lock your car, even when parked at home in your driveway.
- Never leave keys in the ignition or in a hiding spot inside the car.
- Remove all valuables, including bags, wallets, phones, and tools. If items must be left, store them out of sight in the boot before arriving at your destination.
- Park in well-lit, secure areas whenever possible.
- Consider using additional steering wheel locks or immobilisers for high-risk vehicles.
As police continue their targeted operation, the effectiveness of these combined efforts will be closely watched by a community eager to see a return to safer streets. The December crime statistics serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive crime prevention from all residents.
