Queensland Police have admitted they are concerned about transient persons from the Northern Territory to Mount Isa adding to local crime statistics.
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Magistrate James Morton raised the topic at Mount Isa Magistrates Court on Monday April 1 when he sentenced a Northern Territory man to suspended imprisonment for damaging property and possessing a weapon in Mount Isa.
"We have enough people like you here. We don't need people coming from the Territory to Mount Isa to access alcohol," Magistrate Morton said in court.
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Mount Isa Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Renee Hanrahan said these crimes were being recorded against the location in which it occurs.
"Any offences committed by those visiting a town will contribute to the overall crime statistics of that location," Snr Sgt Hanrahan said.
"This is something police are concerned about. It is the aim of the Queensland Police Service to stop crime and make the community safer.
"We would like to see a reduction in the rate of crime victims and offences against good order, and conversely see an increase in the rate of personal safety and property security."
Snr Sgt Hanrahan said whenever some jurisdictions had dry areas, neighbouring non-dry communities would feel the effect on their crime rates.
"While disparity exists between State and Territory alcohol policies and legislation, Mount Isa will continue to feel the impacts of Northern Territory residents attending locations close to the border including Mount Isa, Camooweal and Urandangi, to avoid attempts aimed at alcohol reform," she said.
"We are working heavily with local agencies to refer transient persons to connect with services designed specifically to provide social support around areas such as homelessness, housing, and transport back to community.
"We also collaborate with Council to educate and respond to illegal camping in the Leichhardt Riverbed. Joint action aims to ensure that important messaging is provided to everyone present, which often includes persons from the Northern Territory."
Snr Sgt Hanrahan said there was opportunity to promote Mount Isa as a wonderful community to not only visit, but importantly, to respect during that stay.
"We would encourage all community stakeholders to engage in that space," she said.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
