Noosa residents may see a heightened police presence from this week as part of a major six-month state-wide operation aimed at reducing break-ins, robberies and car theft.
From Friday 27 February, the Queensland Police Service will commence Operation Yankee Forge, an enhanced state-wide crackdown focused on reducing victimisation and targeting offenders who cause the greatest harm to communities.
The operation will enhance policing activities across Queensland, including in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, with a strong focus on preventing and disrupting unlawful use of motor vehicles, robbery and unlawful entry.
Police regions, supported by specialist squads, will conduct coordinated disruption activities across the state.
The operation will be locally led and centrally coordinated, leveraging the knowledge of officers who know their communities best while drawing on state-wide intelligence and resources.
Specialist personnel from units including the State Flying Squad, Youth Co-Responder teams and Public Safety Response Team will work alongside local police to deliver highly visible and targeted patrols. High-harm repeat offenders will be a key focus, with police working closely with partner agencies to hold them accountable.
During his first week in the role, Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing said the operation would be rolled out simultaneously across Queensland.
“The QPS is committed to combating crime that impacts everyday Queenslanders,” Acting Commissioner Pointing said.
“I want to send a clear message to criminals – if you cause harm in our communities, you will be held to account.”
Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations John Tims said communities such as Noosa would notice more proactive patrols designed to reduce opportunities for offending.
“Bolstered by coordinated investigations and shared intelligence, the operation will target prolific, high-harm repeat offenders,” Deputy Commissioner Tims said.
“Responses will be tailored for local issues and have the flexibility to strategically shift gears to target high-crime and high-harm locations.”
Operation Yankee Forge will adopt an adaptive, intelligence-led approach to respond to emerging crime trends. Police are also urging Noosa residents to play their part by reporting suspicious behaviour, securing homes and vehicles, and looking out for neighbours.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the operation was a targeted crackdown aimed at continuing to reduce the number of victims of crime in Queensland.
“Operation Forge will target the worst of the worst as we continue to turn the tide of Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis and give our police the laws and resources they need to do their jobs,” Minister Purdie said.
“The State Government has already delivered a 7.2 per cent drop in the number of victims of crime in Queensland, but we are not taking our foot off the pedal when it comes to making Queensland safer.”
Community safety is a shared responsibility, with authorities emphasising that staying alert and connected can play a vital role in preventing crime and reducing harm.
