A massive police crackdown across Brisbane’s south has seen more than 1,300 people charged with over 4,000 offences as authorities ramp up the fight against crime.
The Queensland Police Service’s Operation Steeler — launched in October last year — has resulted in 1,120 adults arrested on 2,979 charges and 271 youths arrested on 1,093 charges, bringing the total to 4,072 offences.
The blitz targets high-crime hotspots across South Brisbane and is aimed squarely at reducing the number of victims of crime.
The results come just days after police and the State Government launched Operation Forge, a new statewide crackdown focusing on break-ins, robberies and stolen cars.
Police Minister Dan Purdie said the operation showed the government was getting tough on crime.
“The Crisafulli Government remains committed to making Queensland safer and turning the tide on Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis, already delivering a 7.2 per cent drop in the number of victims of crime in 2025, compared to the previous year,” Minister Purdie said.
“Operation Steeler is making South Brisbane safer with our dedicated police arresting more than 1,300 people – including 271 youths – on 4,072 offences since October.
“We know there is more work to be done as we continue to give our police the laws and resources, they need to do their jobs and reduce victim numbers across Queensland, to ensure fewer businesses and homes are targeted and cars stolen by Labor’s generation of untouchables.
“These results come just days after the Crisafulli Government and QPS launched Operation Forge – a statewide crackdown to reduce victims of crime in Queensland with a targeted crackdown on break-ins, robberies and stolen cars, offences which exploded during Labor’s decade of decline.”
The government says crime victims have already fallen 7.2 per cent in 2025 compared with last year.
Under the former Labor Government, officials say the number of victims of crime rose sharply, with juvenile car theft charges jumping from 2,155 in 2014 to 7,000 in 2024.
Police numbers have also increased, with a net gain of 617 officers since the October election, while unplanned attrition has dropped to 2.6 per cent — the lowest level in five years.
Local MPs say the operation is already making a difference across Brisbane’s southside and bayside communities.
Member for Chatsworth Steve Minnikin said targeted operations were helping remove offenders from the streets.
“Local operations, arrests and more charges mean fewer criminals on our streets and more people in busy areas like Carindale, Carina and Wakerley being safe,” Mr Minnikin said.
“This is yet another example of how we are making Queensland safer by restoring safety where you live.”
Member for Cleveland Amanda Stoker said offenders should take notice.
“These results are a message to offenders: if you break into homes, rob businesses or steal cars, police will come for you. And our laws will back them,” Ms Stoker said.
“Our community deserves more than sympathy after the fact – we’re more focused on prevention, patrols, and putting youth offenders before the court.”
Member for Capalaba Russell Field said the government was tackling youth crime head-on.
“Locals know how much youth crime was allowed to run rampant under the Palaszczuk / Miles Labor Government which led to the deaths of my family, and the stabbing of Alexandra Hills local, and veteran, Chris Sanders,” Mr Field said.
“It’s positive to see the success of Operation Steeler with young criminals now being charged with our tough Adult Crime, Adult Time Laws.
“Operations like these that are led by local QPS districts show we’re listening to frontline police and backing them with the resources they need to get the job done.
“We know youth crime won’t be fixed overnight, but with a 7.2% reduction in victim numbers and visible operations like Steeler and Forge, we’re seeing the green shoots of progress in restoring community safety.”
Member for Redlands Rebecca Young said the Redlands had also felt the impact of youth crime.
“Redlands has not been immune from Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis,” Ms Young said.
“We have seen terrible outcomes, including the stabbing of local Army veteran Chris Sanders in December 2023, an incident that shook our community.
“Our small businesses have also paid the price through repeated break-ins, stolen cars and costly damage.
“Operations like Steeler and Forge show that we are serious about restoring safety by backing our police, strengthening our laws and delivering real consequences.”
Queensland Police Service South Brisbane District Officer Acting Chief Superintendent Heath McQueen said the results showed the strategy was working.
“These results highlight the tireless efforts of specialist and general duties police across Brisbane’s south, in disrupting crime and keeping local communities safe,” Acting Chief Superintendent McQueen said.
“We know that taking both a high-visibility and covert approach to identifying and preventing crime is key to reducing the number of victims and the fear of crime.
“We will continue our efforts to put offenders before the courts, and ensure the community is, and feels safe.”
