Local Businesses Feel The Impact Of Repeat Offenders

By Amanda Wright

The ongoing crime wave in Mackay has left local businesses and residents frustrated and fearful, with many calling for stronger measures to combat the rising tide of offences. As part of their campaign for the upcoming Queensland election, LNP representatives have pledged to restore law and order in the region through their “Adult Crime, Adult Time” policy.

Shadow Minister for Police and Community Safety, Dan Purdie MP, visited Mackay recently to highlight the alarming crime statistics and propose the LNP’s solution to what he described as a crisis spiralling out of control. Joined by former police officer and Mackay candidate Nigel Dalton, as well as local business owner Evan Corry, Purdie outlined the LNP’s tough stance on crime, particularly youth crime.

“Regional Queensland is the epicentre of a crime crisis,” Mr Purdie said.

“The crime crisis has torn communities apart. Proud regional cities like Mackay have been hijacked by a generation of untouchables.”

According to Queensland Police Service statistics, crime rates in regional areas have surged significantly, with Mackay reporting 953 offences per 100,000 people. This rise has prompted calls for immediate and decisive action to protect businesses and residents from further harm.

Evan Corry, Director of Corry Cycles, has experienced the impact of this peak in crime firsthand. His business has been broken into roughly a dozen times in the last two years alone, forcing him to invest heavily in security measures.

“The cost to our business has been huge, but also the cost to personal time,” Mr Corry explained.

“In the last two years, it’s been about a dozen times we’ve been broken into with a price tag of around $50,000 in lost stock, damage repair and increased investment into security measures.

“Last month alone we were broken into three times.

“It seems to be a revolving door for these criminals. The community and the police will often know who these offenders are, but they’re back out the next day, roaming the streets at 2am breaking into more businesses.

“It’s really disappointing.”

Nigel Dalton, a seasoned former police officer, echoed Corry’s sentiments, expressing his dismay at the lack of consequences for offenders.

“We need to make sure that the people who are offending against people like Evan are getting adult time for an adult crime.

“If you commit a crime, you should be getting appropriate repercussions for those actions,” Mr Dalton said.

“We’re committed to ensuring that young offenders receive proper rehabilitation and support, with plans to extend post-prison supervision from 72 hours to 12 months, helping them secure employment or education and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.”

The LNP’s proposed changes include revising the Youth Justice Act, ensuring that youth offenders face the same sentences as adults when committing serious crimes. Additionally, the LNP plans to introduce a comprehensive rehabilitation package aimed at reducing recidivism, with extended supervision periods and support to help young offenders reintegrate into society.

“Our hardworking police have been crying out for stronger laws to back them up,” Mr Purdie added.

“This is the tough-on-crime response Queenslanders have been pleading for.”

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Dan Purdie MP, Evan Corry and Nigel Dalton discuss the impact of repeated break-ins on local businesses, highlighting the need for stronger consequences and better rehabilitation for offenders. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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