SUNSHINE Coat Police from various departments have joined forces in a collaborative operation in an effort to stamp out anti-social behaviour from young people in the local region, and they are calling on parents and guardians to do their part as well.

Police from the Tactical Crime Squad, Child Protection Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigation Branch and local officers have established Operation Xray Sorcerer to prevent and disrupt anti-social behaviour by young people, with the targeted operation commencing on Saturday, September 6.

The operation will run across the September school holidays and then lead into the Christmas school holidays.

Several disruption and prevention strategies will be executed, targeting 11 to 17-year-olds in public places, including high visibility patrols, wanding for weapons, and bail compliance inspections.

“Though we haven’t seen a notable increase in youth crime on the Sunshine Coast, we know that young people tend to gather in groups in public places during the school holidays, which can lead to anti-social behaviour,” Detective Inspector Chris Toohey said.

Beyond enforcement, the operation will prioritise engagement with children alongside the Sunshine Coast Youth Co-Responder Team (YCRT).

The YCRT engage with young people who come into contact with the criminal justice system or are at risk of doing so.

The team may be involved in proactively de-escalating and problem-solving where groups congregate, transporting young people to safety, connecting young people and their caregivers with support services, and exploring diversionary pathways.

“It’s important that we surround young people who are at risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system, and their friends and family, with support and the tools they need to stay on the right path,” Detective Inspector Toohey said.

“We’re asking parents to work alongside us in preventing and disrupting anti-social behaviour and offending.

“Particularly during the school holidays, I urge you to be aware of where your children are, who they are with, and what items they have with them.”

Detective Inspector Toohey said that it is a priority to ensure children are safe and directed away from any criminal offending.

“We want to ensure that both our young people and the wider community are safe and feel safe.”

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said that the operation was an example of the work the new government was undertaking to make the community feel safer.

“We’ve delivered Jack’s Law to give police the power to detect weapons before they’re used, introduced our Making Queensland Safer laws so that those who continually break the law face real accountability, and tripled the size of the Police State Flying Squad.

“Operation Xray Sorcerer is another example of the proactive work our police are doing, supported by a government that has their back.”

If you have information for police, you can report this by calling 1800 333 000.