General News
5 November, 2025
Many nabbed in ‘surge’ blitz
MORE than 1100 offenders, including 302 youths, have been charged during a major police crackdown across Far North Queensland since August, according to Queensland Premier David Crisafulli.
The “surge response” has resulted in 1121 people being charged with more than 3700 offences, ranging from robbery and unlawful use of a motor vehicle to breaching bail.
Premier Crisafulli, at Smithfield last Friday, said the increased police presence and new laws were helping turn the tide on youth crime in the region.
“Crime is trending down across Queensland, including right here in the Far North,” he said.
“That means fewer people are becoming victims of crime, which is exactly what we want to see.”
The Premier said the crackdown was backed by strong community policing and the rollout of more officers on the ground.
“We’ve boosted the blue line with more than 100 new police recruits in the Far North this year, nearly 50 of them in Cairns,” he said.
Mr Crisafulli (right) said the operation had included 4695 “wandings” under Jack’s Law, resulting in the seizure of 48 weapons in Cairns.
“This is a clear example of what happens when police have the resources and legislative backing to do their job,” he said.
“We’ve also seen specialist squads, like the State Flying Squad, working with local police to target hotspots proactively.”
Local MPs Bree James (Barron River) and Terry James (Mulgrave) praised the results of the operation and the ongoing work of local officers.
The blitz, which began in early August, forms part of the government’s wider “Making Queensland Safer” strategy.
Mr Crisafulli said while the early results were positive, the government remained focused on long-term solutions.
“We know there’s more to do, that’s why we’re continuing to invest in prevention, early intervention and community programs alongside tough enforcement,” he said.
Cairns Local News asked the Premier what’s being done to improve safety on public transport.
“We’ve re-established the safety advisory committee and we are investing in safety officers on buses,” he said.
“I acknowledge that there are safety issues on public transport, and that should be where our focus is, not by making travelling on public transport more expensive as a deterrent for people not to use it,” he said.
The police surge isn’t limited to public transport. Queensland Police have also released bodycam footage of several arrests made during the recent blitz, showing stolen-car recoveries, drug seizures and weapons offences across Cairns and surrounding suburbs.
The footage can be viewed at www.bit.ly/4ntzUTD
