Mayor Draws Attention to Youth Crime Statistics in Mount Isa

Mount Isa Mayor Danielle Slade says she is not surprised that Mount Isa has topped the list for youth crime statistics in Queensland.

According to recent figures, with 82 young offenders in 2022 from a Local Government Area population of about 19,000 people, on a per capita basis, Mount Isa’s youth crime rate is more than three times that of the next city (Cairns), and double that of Townsville.

“In January, I asked the Mount Isa community to report all crime, so that we would get a true indication of crime statistics in Mount Isa. We now have better clarity on the situation in Mount Isa which has helped Council to lobby for immediate and long-term support on this issue,” Cr Slade said.

“I want to assure residents that in the last month, we have had Ministers, Directors-General, Deputy Directors-General and State Government representatives in Mount Isa, talking about the issues and wanting to work with Mount Isa City Council and key stakeholders on immediate, medium- and long-term solutions.

“I also had the opportunity to talk to the Premier on the issue. Council’s focus is to bring everyone to the table and come up with solutions that will suit and work for Mount Isa. While this will take time, the police have ramped up their presence in hotspots across the city.”

Cr Slade said in the meantime, she encourages residents to keep reporting criminal and antisocial behaviour to Mount Isa Police.

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

If reporting incidents of antisocial behaviour, mess or noise in social housing via email to the Department of Housing, Cr Slade said Council should also be CC’d at city@mountisa.qld.gov.au.