Stronger penalties for young car thieves

In the face of growing criticism, the state government is moving to impose stricter pentalties on juvenile car thieves.

They’ll now 14 years’ jail in a suite of increased penalties in what the government says is aimed squarely at keeping the community safe.

Among the new measures are:

1. Increasing the maximum penalty for stealing a car from 7 years to 10 years’ imprisonment
2. A more severe penalty of 14 years if the offence is committed at night, where the offender uses violence or threatens violence, is armed or pretends to be armed, is in company or damages or threatens to damage any property
3. Amend the Youth Justice Act requiring courts to take into account previous bail history, criminal activity and track record when sentencing
4. Increased penalties for criminals who have boasted about these crimes on social media
5. Extreme High Visibility Police Patrols
6. A $9.89 million fast-track sentencing program in Brisbane, Townsville, Southport and Cairns so children spend less time on remand and more time serving their sentences
7. The construction of two new youth detention centres
8. A trial of engine immobilisers in Mt Isa, Cairns and Townsville
9. The appointment within QPS of Assistant Commissioner to the position of Youth Crime Taskforce Commander
10. The increased penalties apply to adult as well as juvenile offenders.

Young offenders will be in custody for longer to make sure they can complete requisite rehabilitation and reform programs set out by the courts.

“Crime, especially youth crime, is a complex issue but community safety must come first,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“All of the programs to divert children away from crime will continue but the community is demanding tougher penalties too.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan said the tough new initiatives were evidence based and would have an impact.

“Tougher penalties, elevated surveillance and a concentrated “extreme” police visibility in strategic locations at certain times will help disrupt the illegal activities of those who wish to do harm to the community,” Mr Ryan said.

“We will never stop looking for innovative new ways to target wrongdoers and support the community.”

Minister for Children and Youth Justice Leanne Linard said more than two dozen programs to divert children away from crime will continue.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution,” Ms Linard said.

“The total number of cases where a young person has been refused bail at their first appearance has risen from 377 in 2017-18 to 585 in 2021-22.

“The community must be kept safe.”