Queensland Police Chief Launches Crime Crackdown After Personal Home Invasion
Queensland's new acting Police Commissioner, Brett Pointing, has disclosed that he and his family were victims of a terrifying home invasion approximately 18 months ago, an experience that has directly influenced his decision to initiate a statewide crime crackdown. Commissioner Pointing revealed that three juveniles and an adult broke into his southeast Queensland home while relatives were sleeping, resulting in the theft of two vehicles.
"It had a big impact on my relatives who were there," Pointing told The Courier-Mail, noting that although his family was unharmed, they were deeply shaken by the incident. This personal ordeal has since shaped his approach to addressing what police term "volume crime"—offenses that significantly affect everyday Queenslanders, such as break-ins and car theft.
Operation Yankee Forge: A Six-Month Statewide Initiative
On Wednesday, Queensland Police will launch Operation Yankee Forge, a comprehensive six-month statewide crackdown specifically targeting car theft, breaking and entering, and robbery. Commissioner Pointing emphasized the personal nature of this effort, declaring "this is personal" during the operation's unveiling. He expressed shock upon discovering that his property had been broken into on three separate occasions and that many neighbors had experienced similar crimes.
"What was interesting is when I networked within my own neighbourhood, I found many other victims of unlawful entry of their house," Pointing said. "And it reminded me of just how crime impacts on the community. And so, I'm very strongly committed to addressing what we call volume crime, those crimes that affect everyday Queenslanders."
Crime Statistics and Community Engagement
The launch of Operation Yankee Forge coincides with recent Queensland Police data showing some improvement in crime rates. Specifically, the numbers of break-ins, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and robberies were all lower in January 2026 compared to the same month two years earlier. However, authorities acknowledge that more must be done to restore Queenslanders' sense of safety in their homes.
Commissioner Pointing outlined his vision for police to "deeply engage in the community" to better understand how crime affects families. He also highlighted broader operational priorities, including tackling domestic and family violence, child exploitation, organized crime, and road incidents—particularly those involving e-mobility devices.
"I think we need a refocus on the road toll and do all we can with partner agencies and the community to drive that down," he said. "The trauma that it causes to families is just terrible, and not to mention the impact on the health system as well."
Commissioner Pointing's Background and Future Plans
Pointing is a veteran of the police service, having joined as a 15-year-old cadet in 1978 and being sworn in three years later. His extensive career spans frontline and detective work, disaster recovery, and senior roles with the Australian Federal Police. Appointed for 12 months to the role following the retirement of Steve Gollschewski, Pointing plans to reduce red tape for what he describes as a "deeply fatigued" frontline force, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and community trust.
