Queensland police report youth crime drop in Townsville

Queensland police have reported a fall in crime rates in the state's youth crime “capital” of Townsville. Early data shows a drop of up to 53 per cent in robbery, car theft and burglary rates. Deputy Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy says Taskforce Guardian has allowed police to target repeat and serious youth offenders. Mr Chelepy believes a law change last year to make breaching bail conditions an offence for young offenders has helped. In the past six months, solved crimes committed by juveniles are down 11 per cent in Townsville and 28 per cent across the state – compared to the previous six months.