Residents in Queensland’s north have been filmed making a citizen’s arrest, catching and pinning a would-be car thief to the ground.
With the help of neighbours, Townsville residents Natalie and Zachary Bennett chased down the young man after he allegedly attempted to steal their car.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Would-be car thief caught by neighbours.
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“I was chasing him from behind and then another neighbour cut him off,” Zachary said.
“About three of us grabbed him and pinned him to the ground.”
Frustratingly, the couple say this is not the first time their home has been the target of young thieves, adding their voices to a growing number of locals calling for change.
New data released by the Queensland state opposition shows that of the 482 juveniles classified as the state’s most serious repeat offenders, only 196 are in detention or on remand.
In Queensland’s southeast, a reported 61 per cent of violent child criminals are alleged to be walking free.
State opposition leader David Crisafulli said the numbers were “alarming”.
“These numbers are alarming, but they’re also a sobering reminder of the consequences of a broken youth justice system.”
Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan said early intervention strategies for youth crime should not be disregarded.
“You detain those who are committing the most harm in the community, but where you can intervene and prevent crime you throw everything at it,” he said.
However, Natalie and Zachary Bennett said it is the laws that need to change.
“There are no consequences (for youth offenders),“ Natalie said.
“It’s not the cops’ fault, it’s not the courts, it’s the legislation—the laws need to change.”