Reported car thefts and stealing from dwellings have significantly declined in Queensland in the last 10 years, according to a Crime and Misconduct Commission intelligence report released today.
The report, Organised Property Crime Markets in Queensland, also found that while organised crime networks exist in Queensland, they were not controlling the property crime market.
CMC Director of Intelligence Chris Keen said the report revealed changes to the nature and extent of organised criminal activity within the Queensland property crime market since the CMC’s two previous assessments in 2004 and 2005.
‘The 2009 assessment shows a 52% decrease in reported stolen vehicles between 1998-99 and 2007-08. This is a significant decrease from 18 463 offences to 8727 offences.
‘A 32% decrease in stealing from dwellings was also reported, with 5987 reported offences in 2007-08 compared to 8727 in 2001-02.
‘Our intelligence results show that most property crimes are predominantly committed by opportunistic thieves. However, there are still small organised property crime networks in Queensland, but there is no evidence to suggest they have taken over control of the property crime market.
‘The CMC believes the risk posed by organised property crime in Queensland is medium and vehicle rebirthing is low.
‘Continued intelligence sharing between law enforcement agencies and specialist QPS units across the state is essential to identify and prosecute these offenders,’ Mr Keen said.
The CMC will also be releasing strategic assessments relating to organised money laundering, fraud and illicit drugs throughout 2009.
ENDS
