New unit to tackle Tablelands crime
Queensland Police
Restoring safety in Far North Queensland is front of mind for the Crisafulli Government as it delivers a second police unit to crackdown on property crime and repeat offenders on the Tablelands.
The new Tablelands Property Crime Unit builds on the success of the Cairns Property Crime Unit, which has played a critical role in disrupting serious property offending, and is making the Cairns region safer.
Since January 1, 2025, 1,229 people have been charged with 5,341 property crime-related offences across the Far Northern Region, with police targeting serious offenders responsible for property crime.
So far in 2026, the unit has charged 107 people with 475 offences.
The specialised units bring together detectives and plain-clothes officers working alongside the Far North Tactical Crime Squad, Far North Dog Squad, general duties police and POLAIR to disrupt offending and hold offenders to account.
Stronger laws, more police, and the biggest investment in rehabilitation and early intervention in Queensland history are keys to the State Government’s approach, says Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie.
He said the expansion of the Property Crime Unit demonstrates the Crisafulli Government’s clear focus on community safety and backing police with the resources they need.
“The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer by rebuilding the police frontline and making sure officers have the tools and specialist support required to tackle property crime head-on after Labor’s decade of decline,” Minister Purdie said.
“We are sending a clear message to offenders that if you steal cars, break into homes or terrorise communities, police will be there and you will be held accountable.
“By expanding successful units like the Property Crime Unit, we’re putting police in the right place at the right time and focusing resources where they will make the biggest difference.”
Far North District Acting Chief Superintendent Monique Ralph said having a new, dedicated unit targeting property crime on the Tablelands highlights the Queensland Police Services’ commitment to community safety.
“We want to assure our community that officers are working tirelessly day and night to disrupt stolen vehicles and bring offenders before the court,” Acting Chief Superintendent Ralph said.
“These police live and work in this community and are dedicated to protecting it, as evident by the number of property crime charges preferred in the last year.
“The addition of a Tablelands Property Crime Unit will allow us to strategically place resources to target property offending, meaning police can be in the right place at the right time.”