Acting police commissioner Brett Pointing reveals he was victim of Gold Coast home invasion
Queensland’s new police commissioner Brett Pointing has revealed his personal experience as a crime victim as he announced a new statewide operation that will strengthen police resources.
“I experienced a very dangerous incident on the Gold Coast two years ago,” he said in the announcement, standing next to Police Minister Dan Purdie on Wednesday.
Four people broke into the commissioner’s house while his family, including the elderly, were inside.
“They stole two cars and thankfully their business was disrupted, but it could have been very, very bad,” he said.
Pointing said this experience revealed how many people in his neighborhood are victims of crime.
“I learned firsthand how much trauma it causes people and the importance of keeping a laser focus on these types of crimes,” he added.
Pointing this week took on the role of Queensland police commissioner on an interim basis for 12 months after his predecessor, Steve Gollschewski, retired to focus on his health.
The statewide crackdown will begin on Friday and will give police more resources to target crimes such as car thefts, break-ins and robberies.
“We want fewer victims and less harm in our communities,” Pointing said. “We will do this by blocking the criminals who cause the most harm.
“We will also do this by targeting high-harm crimes in high-crime areas.”
Local officers will be supported by specialized personnel such as the state flight team, canine team and public safety response team.
“We want this operation to be highly responsive to local communities and have the flexibility to shift gears strategically and target high crime areas.”
When asked which areas would be targeted, Pointing noted crime rates in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton and some areas in the state’s south-east, but did not confirm the specific targets of the operation.
Purdie, a former police officer, said the operation would increase resources in officer-poor areas of the state.
“I am very aware of the work done by our police,” he said. “How tired they have actually been in the last 10 years.”
“I was one of those who left in 2017 after trying to tackle the youth crime crisis with our hands tied behind our backs.
“So every step we take while I’m in this position is going to be about more police, it’s going to be about tougher laws, it’s going to be about restoring community safety.”
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