MY name is Julie Fox. I’ve called the Redlands home for over 50 years and I’m proud to live in Cleveland.
But a couple of years ago, my sense of safety in this community was shattered, and I want to share my story.
It was just before 5am when I left home in my convertible to meet my running group.
The roof happened to be down, and I remember thinking how beautiful the morning was – the stars still out, the air calm and still. But in an instant, that peace disappeared.
I heard a loud car speeding up behind me.
It swerved around and cut me off sharply, like something out of a movie.
At first, I thought it might be an undercover police car, or just a reckless driver.
But then two young men jumped out, one holding a knife, shouting at me: “Get the F out of your car!”
I felt incredibly vulnerable with no roof on my car.
In a split second, driven by fear and adrenaline, I made the decision to hit the accelerator.
I jumped the traffic island and sped away. I was lucky – I know not everyone is.
A detective who helped me later said that many people freeze in those moments, and things could have ended very differently.
But that event has left a lasting impact.
This wasn’t the first time crime has touched my life.
My home has been broken into four times.
You could see the footprints where intruders had walked through every room.
I was a single mum the first time my car was stolen.
It was just two years old.
I got it back two and a half weeks later, but it took three months for repairs.
I’ve since had another car stolen.
Now, every time I leave the house, I feel nervous. I double-check the locks. I look over my shoulder.
I still leave early every morning because I’m a personal trainer – but the simple joy of a peaceful morning drive has been replaced with anxiety and constant vigilance.
I’m sharing my story because these crimes don’t just take our possessions.
They steal our peace of mind, our sense of security, and our trust in our own neighbourhoods.
And they cost us – emotionally and financially.
I urge members of Parliament to understand what’s at stake.
We are ordinary Queenslanders who just want to live our lives safely.
We need laws that deter crime and send a clear message: our community will not tolerate this.
I also want to raise another point – when it comes to youth crime, I believe that parents need more support too.
If underage offenders are involved, I think parents should receive counselling or support to help them raise their children with boundaries.
Some aren’t bad people – sometimes it’s a matter of not knowing how to parent or even giving their kids too much.
