MOUNT Isa police will focus more on juvenile crime now the Pioneer police beat has reopened, after it was burnt down during an arson attack in August last year.
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The police beat was replaced temporarily by a purpose-built demountable building left over storage from Cyclone Yasi and had been organised to meet the needs of the police.
The building features office areas, kitchen, bathroom and interview room.
Acting Senior Constable, Bradley Hay, said he couldn't be more thankful for the beat to be sourced in such a short time.
“Pioneer police beat had been operating out of the Mount Isa police station since the arson attack,” he said.
“It was difficult to maintain focus on Pioneer as we were also conducting other duties throughout Mount Isa.
“I was conducting training with first year senior constables alongside other duties, but I have not lost my vision for Pioneer.”
Police beat opened at 55 Short Street on January 18 and Acting Senior Constable Hay believes there is a drive to improve Pioneer.
“These police beats sites are just like a mini police station to target crime in certain areas.
“We want to make Pioneer better and there are a lot of people that are working to make it better.
“I think most people know that it could improve and we want to be here to steer Pioneer in the right direction.
“We will do this by creating projects and operations and doing problem orientated policing.”
Acting Senior Constable Hay said juvenile crime, activities and alcohol related crime would continue to be targeted in Pioneer.
“At the point where the beat was burnt down, juvenile crime was a large issue and it was quite active.
“Since then there was a good response, in which we received more resources in policing. This was from other towns and sections and since then juvenile crime has decreased.”
Police beat will continue to work with external stakeholders including Pioneer Centacare, Neighbourhood Watch and Headspace to decrease the amount of crime associated in Pioneer.
The Pioneer police beat was burnt down on August 22 by a 10-year-old boy who was charged with arson over the incident.
Juvenile crime in Mount Isa looks to be manageable and Acting Senior Constable Hay believes that with a community approach the goal of decreasing juvenile crime could achieve a more positive result.
“If anyone detects any form of crime in Mount Isa we advise them to call police on 000 or anonymously report it to crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au.”