Police shocked
Local police said they were “shocked” and “disappointed” to charge five people with driving while under the influence of drugs in just over 24 hours during the weekend.
Noosa Heads officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Steve McReight said traffic patrols from midnight on Saturday until 6am Monday morning found five people were driving with drugs in their system and a number of the offenders were also charged with possession after searches revealed quantities of cannabis.
Sen Sgt McReight said six more people were charged with drink driving during the same period while three people were charged with driving without a licence.
“It’s disappointing to see so many people driving while under the influence,” Sen Sgt McReight said.
“Especially when there has been such an emphasis on road safety through state-wide campaigns and through the media.”
Sen Sgt McReight said people who flout the law and drive while under the influence are not only putting their lives and the lives of others at risk, but they will also void their insurance if an accident does occur.
“People are leaving themselves open to serious issues,” he said.
Crime statistics
The latest crime statistics have been revealed and while the rate of some offences have increased, local police say it’s down to confidence in the system and targeted policing, not a greater crime rate.
According to the latest statistics, the overall crime rate has risen 8.5 per cent but offences against the person have decreased 10.6 per cent, the rate of assault is down 7.3 per cent and the rate of robbery is down 3.9 per cent.
Offences that have increased include the rate of rape and attempted rape which rose by 5.8 per cent, the rate of drug offences which rose 21.4 per cent and the rate of liquor offences which rose by 51.9 per cent.
Sen Sgt Steve McReight said the increases in offences in these areas is likely down to better training for local police in dealing with the matters, a greater awareness of the issues in the local community and related targeted policing campaigns as a result.
In regards to the increase in rape and attempted rape cases, Sen Sgt McReight said many of the cases his team deal with are historical incidents.
He said a growing confidence in the police’s ability to handle such cases has seen an increase in offences coming through the Noosa Heads station.
For drug offences, he said a greater awareness of drug issues in the community means Noosa police can carry out targeted policing campaigns to reduce the spread of drugs throughout the community, which can result in fewer drugs on the street but greater offences due to more arrests and charges.
The introduction of a liquor licencing co-ordinator in the region has also helped police to crack down on liquor offences and has seen an increase in charges laid as a result of the targeted policing.
