iPhones used for crime in Slacks Creek area

  • 2013-01-05
Police in the Slacks Creek region are warning residents that young criminals are using their phones to help them to evade the police. A free iPhone app is available which allows offenders to listen to emergency services radio. The ability of criminals to listen to police activity, and share information is contributing to recent significant growth in crime levels. Ram raids, car thefts and break and enter offences head the list of crimes which have seen a sharp rise.




“They know when to run.”




commented Superintendent Noel Powers, the district officer for the Logan area which covers Slacks Creek. In the period between January and March 2012, there were 140 “evade” offences - four times higher than the next highest location for such offences which is Townsville.


Another aspect of mobile phone use which frustrates police is criminals’ ability to share tips on how to commit offences, avoid capture, and conceal evidence. Offenders were able to find out how crimes were committed when a modus operandi was disclosed during a trial. This information is then shared amongst repeat offenders, and successful methods are used until the offenders are eventually caught.


The Neighbourhood Watch programme has undergone a renewal in the Queensland Government’s efforts to deliver safer communities. The Queensland Police Service website has information on how people can find out if they are in a Neighbourhood Watch area or how to join the programme. As there are plenty of information sheets available for download on the Neighbourhood Watch website, some flyer printing would help community groups to protect their local neighbourhoods.