The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has rolled out a new initiative, Safer Together Toowoomba, designed to reduce crime and increase safety in the Toowoomba area.
Running until January 2025, this program focuses on proactive community engagement and crime prevention to address local concerns around burglary, vehicle theft, and youth crime.
Key elements of the Safer Together initiative include community presentations by QPS members, social media campaigns promoting home and vehicle security tips, and access to crime prevention resources in multiple languages to support Toowoomba’s diverse population.
A unique feature of the initiative is the Community Safety Champions program, which brings together 18 local leaders from groups like Multicultural Australia and Toowoomba Women’s Shed. These champions will share safety information, strengthen community relationships, and enhance safety efforts across the region.
Chief Inspector Danny Shaw of the Toowoomba District emphasized that the initiative was developed in response to community feedback. “Toowoomba residents have identified burglary, vehicle theft, and youth crime as top concerns, and Safer Together Toowoomba addresses these priorities directly,” said Chief Inspector Shaw. “Our goal is to reduce crime and ensure the community feels safe and supported.”
Inspector Alice Carnes of the QPS Community Programs team noted the program’s focus on collaboration, stating, “Safer Together empowers communities with resources and knowledge to build trust and reduce crime in the Darling Downs.”
Building on the success of previous Safer Together programs in Cairns and Rockhampton, which reached over 500,000 people through social media and inspired action on home and vehicle security, the Toowoomba program is expected to have a similar impact.
Over 200 stakeholders and community members contributed to developing the program, ensuring it meets local needs and strengthens the connection between the police and the community.
QPS encourages all Toowoomba residents to participate in the Safer Together initiative to help create a safer, more connected community.
