YOUTH crime is on the decline in Ipswich, with newly released police data showing a significant drop in offences during the first quarter of 2025.
Compared to this time last year, Ipswich has seen a positive shift in youth crime statistics.
In 2024, the city ranked sixth in Queensland for youth crime offences, but for the first quarter of 2025 (January 1 to March 31), it has dropped to eighth place, with 857 youth charges recorded.
This places Ipswich just behind the Moreton region (819 charges) and slightly ahead of Logan (880 charges).
Local resident and parent Naomi Latch said the improvements were noticeable in her Riverview neighbourhood.
“For the first time in a long time, I feel safer walking around my suburb after dark,” she said. “It’s clear that the increased police presence and tougher laws are having a real impact. Families here have been desperate for change, and now it feels like we’re turning a corner.”
The Queensland Police Service says the results reflect the success of intensified efforts to combat youth offending across the state.
Statewide, break-ins have fallen by 12 per cent compared to early 2024, and car thefts have dropped by 9 per cent.
