Adult Crime, Adult Time numbers are in

By Sheree Hoddinett  

It’s still very much early days, but it seems the introduction of Adult Crime, Adult Time in Queensland is starting to show some positive signs. 

The recently released annual Queensland Government Statistician’s Office Crime Report for 2024–25 shows overall crime fell by 1.2% compared to the previous financial year. The data captures the first six months since the introduction of the tougher sentencing laws. 

According to the report, break-ins, robberies and stolen vehicle offences all recorded notable declines. Compared to 2023–24 figures, break-ins were down 9.9%, robbery rates fell by 10.6% and stolen cars dropped by 5.6%. The report also found a shift in offender demographics, with youth no longer the primary group responsible for these crimes for the first time in five years. The number of youth offenders decreased by 16.7% over the same period. 

Victim numbers also declined, with a 7.2% reduction recorded in 2025 compared to the previous year. 

At a regional level, the data has seen some minor changes so far. In Moreton Bay North (which the seat of Pumicestone falls under), total offences recorded slightly decreased from 31,268 in 2023–24 to 31,115 in 2024–25. The offence rate also dropped from 10,839.9 to 10,490.1, representing a 3.2% decline over the year.  

State Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan said the early results were encouraging, but more work was needed to ensure long-term community safety. 

“After 10 years of rising youth crime, we know this won’t be fixed overnight. But we are a government focused on early intervention, rehabilitation and real consequences,” Ms Doolan said. “We are starting to see green shoots, but we won’t pretend the job is done. There is more to do. Queenslanders deserve safety where they live. We will keep working every day to make that a reality.” 

The Crisafulli Government says the figures in the report demonstrate progress in its broader strategy to address crime, which includes stronger laws, increased police resources, and a focus on early intervention and rehabilitation programs. 

Alongside legislative changes, enforcement efforts have been ramped up through initiatives such as Operation Forge, a targeted crackdown on break-ins, robberies and car theft. In its first month, the operation resulted in 1317 people being charged with a total of 2972 offences. 

Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services Deb Frecklington said the Crime Report showed the Crisafulli Government’s tough on crime approach was beginning to restore safety where you live. 

“This report highlights the positive early signs of Adult Crime, Adult Time and how we are starting to turn the tide on Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis,” Minister Frecklington said. “Adult Crime, Adult Time laws send a clear message – if you commit serious crimes, there will be serious consequences.” 

Despite the improvements and changes, the government acknowledges the issue of youth crime remains complex and ongoing. 

The Crime Report is based on offences recorded by the Queensland Police Service during the 2024–25 financial year and provides an official snapshot of crime trends across the state. To view the full report, visit www.qgso.qld.gov.au/issues/7856/crime-report-qld-2024-25.pdf