Ipswich crime rises 5%

IPSWICH mayor Paul Pisasale has called for stronger police powers after statistics released yesterday indicated a 5% increase in crime.

Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson released the Annual Statistic Review yesterday with the Southern Region, which encompasses Ipswich, recording a higher rise than Brisbane and the North Coast region.

Queensland's crime rate rose by 6% in the past year.

Within the Southern Region, the rate of arson increased by 21%, unarmed robbery by 50% and armed robbery by 16%.

Serious assault rose by 34% and common assaults by 9%.

Crimes less prevalent included rape and attempted rape which was reduced by 23%; unlawful entry dropped by 3% and abductions fell by 21%.

Cr Pisasale said the Safe City cameras had helped with police clear up rates.

He said the police and court system needed stronger powers to deter criminal activities.

"Crime is happening all over this country and we allow people to get away with it," he said.

"I'm sick and tired of people getting their houses broken into.

"There should be more powers given to the police."

He said respect for the law continues to deteriorate.

"It allows the young kids to commit more crime in the community. We are letting the general standards of the community to be devalued."

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the review showed the challenges faced by the Newman Government.

"This Government has already doubled the maximum penalty for assaulting a police officer, has or will introduce minimum mandatory sentences for crimes such as illegal firearms use and evade police and is about to introduce the toughest anti-hooning laws in the country," he said. "This Government will also be seeking community involvement in tackling crime."

Crime Snapshot

• The Southern Region had four murders in 2011/12 compared with six in 2010/11.
• The rate of rape and attempted rape incidents decreased by 23%.
• Prostitution offences increased from zero in 2010/11 to 19 in 2011/12.

Topics:  bob atkinson, crime, ipswich, paul pisasale