Queensland Launches Statewide Operation Forge to Combat Property Crime
The Queensland Government, in collaboration with the Queensland Police Service, is launching Operation Forge, a statewide initiative targeting break-ins, robberies, and car thefts across Queensland. The operation aims to address rising concerns about youth crime and public safety.
Operation Forge, described as a high-visibility police operation, is set to begin on Friday, February 27. The effort will focus on reducing incidents of break-ins, robberies, and stolen vehicles throughout the state.
District officers, including members of the Criminal Investigation Branch, Child Protection and Investigation Unit, and tactical crime squads, will lead Operation Forge. Specialist resources and assets such as POLAIR, forensic services, surveillance operations, and the Digital Intelligence Community Engagement Team will also provide support.
According to the government, there has been a 7.2 per cent reduction in the number of victims of crime in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Government figures indicate that the number of youths charged with car theft increased from 2,155 in 2014 to more than 7,000 in 2024. Overall, the number of victims of crime also reportedly rose during this period.
The operation will also focus on targeting high-risk offenders. The government reports a 17 per cent reduction in the number of serious repeat offenders in Queensland over the past year compared to 2024.
Officials state that frontline policing capacity has increased, with a net gain of 588 police officers since October 2024. Unplanned staff attrition has also reportedly decreased to 2.6 per cent, the lowest level in five years.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie described the operation as a targeted effort to continue reducing the number of crime victims in Queensland.
Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing APM stated that the Queensland Police Service is committed to addressing crime that affects Queensland residents.
“Operation Yankee Forge is a coordinated statewide operation aimed at reducing victims of crime,” Acting Commissioner Pointing said. “I want to send a clear message to criminals – if you cause harm in our communities, you will be held to account.
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