A SPATE of recent crimes has seen Maleny record the highest levels of crime in the hinterland town in two years.
Queensland Police Service Crime Map statistics show there were 345 offences across the Maleny police division over the past two years with 79 ‘other theft’ crimes topping the list.
The next most recorded crimes were traffic offences (62), drug offences (49) and other property (46).
The town was hit last month by a series of violent robberies with the local IGA and Woolworths targeted. CCTV footage showed up to five people, one holding what appeared to be a crowbar, stealing large numbers of cigarette cartons from the Woolies. Days later Maleny Jewellers were targeted with footage showing a violent attempt to break into the local retailer.
No charges have been laid and investigations are continuing for both incidents.
November saw the most recent increase in offences in the past three months 16 offences recorded across Maleny QPS division, including six Unlawful Entries, two Trespassing and Vagrancy and three Other Property Damage offences. However, the highest rate of offences over the past two years in the region were recorded in April 2022 (24), followed by August 2021 (24).
A QPS spokesperson said staffing levels at Maleny were appropriate.
The police station is serviced by four staff consisting of one Sergeant (Officer in Charge), two Senior Constables and an Administration Officer.
A QPS spokesperson said when allocating police resources, the QPS takes into account the service delivery requirements of each area, community policing initiatives and the complexity of providing an equitable policing service.
“The priorities of the Sunshine Coast District police remain focussed on the safety of local communities, their officers, and ensuring the highest levels of service delivery are maintained at all times,” the spokesperson said.
“While staffing levels within individual workplaces will fluctuate from time to time due to issues such as planned and unplanned absences, the QPS has sufficient staff and resources to deliver professional policing services to all residents of and visitors to the Maleny Police Division.
“Sunshine Coast District management regularly review all issues which impact on service delivery including, but not limited to, population growth, visitor numbers, crime trends and service delivery requirements to ensure consistency in service delivery is provided throughout the district.
“The QPS continues to monitor police officer numbers and determination of appropriate staffing is made on the basis of operational policing and direct service delivery requirements to ensure a fair and equitable policing service is provided throughout the state.”