Crime running rampant under Labor’s watch

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto inspects the remains of a burnt-out car at Saunders Beach.

A SPATE of criminal acts across Townsville this week has left law-abiding residents to “fend for themselves”, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto.

Mr Dametto said the State Labor Government had effectively given up on dishing out real punishments to a core group of recidivist juvenile offenders who are suspected of stealing three vehicles and dumping them in a lake opposite CastleTown Shopping Centre. The vehicles were pulled from the lake on Tuesday night.

“Residents are rightly furious over these latest criminal acts by juvenile offenders who are running rampant because there are no real consequences for their actions. It’s absolutely disgusting,” Mr Dametto said.

“I am sickened that five cars were stolen across Townsville in the 24 hours to Wednesday morning, on top of 63 vehicle thefts in the past month and 43 break-ins over the past week alone. Labor just don’t seem to care. They are happy to let the do-gooders dictate youth justice policy at the cost of ruining innocent people’s lives. On what planet is this acceptable?”

Adding to the criminal chaos, a young woman had her car stolen at Oonoonba on Monday while a Townsville police officer had his badge stolen after thieves broke into his home earlier this month. The thieves then proceeded to brag about their actions on social media.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if these offenders just get a slap on the wrist and be set loose once more as we have seen time and time again. This is Labor’s legacy to Townsville,” Mr Dametto said.

“The community is fed up to the back teeth of this revolving door of justice shown to juvenile offenders and strongly supports Katter’s Australian Party’s relocation sentencing policy.”

Mr Dametto said the KAP’s policy, coupled with mandatory minimum sentencing, would serve as not only an effective punishment but a deterrent to would-be crims.

“Let’s get these kids out bush doing hard labour where they can reform and learn respect for themselves and others. And for adult criminals, knowing there is potentially guaranteed jail time for serious offences will make them think twice,” he said.

“Under relocation sentencing, we’ll have offenders as young as 10 doing six to 12 months of hard labour, building discipline and learning valuable life skills at a remote property at Lake Julius near Mt Isa. It won’t be a picnic, that’s for sure.

“When it comes to crime, the KAP has the community’s back. The major parties just offer false hope.”