Q
ueensland Police have arrested more than 3,500 people and laid over 9,000 charges during the first three months of Operation Forge, a statewide policing initiative focused on repeat offenders and property crime.
The operation, launched on 27 February, has reached its halfway point with authorities pointing to early signs of lower crime victim numbers alongside a larger frontline police presence.
According to figures released by the Queensland Government, 3,526 offenders have been charged with 9,106 offences across the state. Alleged offences include break-ins, robberies and stolen vehicle incidents, with South Brisbane, North Brisbane and Far North Queensland recording some of the highest charge totals.
The Queensland Government has framed the operation as part of its response to youth crime and repeat offending, while also criticising the former Labor Government’s handling of crime laws over the past decade.
Police Minister Dan Purdie said the results showed increased police activity was having an effect on community safety.
“Every one of these arrests means fewer dangerous offenders on our streets and fewer homes and businesses being broken into,” he said.
He also pointed to a reported 7.2 per cent drop in the number of crime victims this year compared with the same period last year, although longer-term crime trends and the direct impact of Operation Forge are likely to be debated as more data becomes available.
Acting Police Commissioner Brett Pointing said the operation relied heavily on intelligence-led policing, with officers adapting tactics based on changing crime patterns.
“Our focus is on preventing, disrupting and responding to crime by targeting repeat offenders and those causing the greatest harm across our communities,” he said.
The government said more than 1,600 new officers have joined the Queensland Police Service since the 2024 election, pushing the frontline workforce beyond 13,000 officers for the first time.
Operation Forge has delivered activity across every policing district in Queensland. South Brisbane recorded 1,678 offences from 645 charged offenders, while North Brisbane recorded 1,108 offences linked to 514 people. The Gold Coast district accounted for 808 offences, and Townsville police laid 626 charges.
Crime policy remains a politically charged issue in Queensland, particularly around youth offending and repeat offenders. While the government argues stronger laws and increased policing are improving safety, legal advocates and community groups have previously raised concerns about balancing enforcement with long-term prevention, rehabilitation and support services.
Operation Forge is expected to continue through the remainder of the year as police maintain high-visibility patrols and targeted enforcement operations across the state.
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