Mayor Urges More Reporting of Criminal or Antisocial Behaviour

Mount Isa Mayor Danielle Slade has called for Mount Isa residents to have a zero-tolerance approach to antisocial or criminal behaviour by always reporting illegal activity to the Police.

“If you see people drinking in public, report it to the Police. If you see people illegally camping, report it to the Police,” Cr Slade said.

“If you have youths walking around your streets late at night, report it to the Police. If you have property damage, vandalism or attempted break-ins, even littering, please report it.

“If you live near a house with people behaving in an antisocial manner, report it to the Police, Council, and, where applicable, the State Department of Housing.

“In 2021, domestic violence offences were included in the Mount Isa crime statistics. While this increased Mount Isa’s figures, I believe we are a long way off from capturing accurate statistics.

“The Mount Isa Police are doing an excellent job of solving crimes and bringing people before the courts, but they need the community to be diligent and report any crimes or antisocial behaviour.

“Some of the crime we are experiencing is opportunistic – for example, unlocked cars or unlocked doors – so I’m calling for residents to be vigilant. Lock up, report any suspicious activity, and definitely report any crime or antisocial behaviour.

“I know there are a lot of community members out there who feel helpless to do anything about what’s going on.

“Having a zero-tolerance approach as a community will not only identify the true statistics of the current situation but will go a long way towards helping Mount Isa get more support to address the issues.”

She said Council will soon be developing a plan to bring together all key stakeholders and agencies to look at the antisocial behaviour and crime issue in Mount Isa and put together recommendations to take to the State and Federal governments.

“It’s important that we go with solutions that suit Mount Isa. I need to show the State and Federal governments accurate statistics, and that will only happen if the entire community takes a zero-tolerance approach to crime and antisocial behaviour,” Cr Slade said.

“This is our city, we absolutely have a right to expect that all those who choose to visit or live here abide by the law. Everyone is welcome in Mount Isa, but we expect you to respect Mount Isa, its community and country.”

In an emergency, or if a crime is in the process of being committed and someone is seriously injured or in immediate danger, call 000.

If a crime – such as property damage, stealing, break-ins, graffiti, or vehicle theft – has already occurred and you require police assistance, contact Policelink on 131 444. Alternatively, you can report the incident online at www.police.qld.gov.au/policelink-reporting.

You can provide also anonymous information about any criminal activity to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 (24 hours).