A crime reduction initiative targeting repeat offenders in Southern Tasmania has charged almost 1,000 people with over 12,500 offences since its launch in 2018.
Tasmania Police Inspector John Toohey said Taskforce Saturate, which began as a three-month project, has been extended due to its success in reducing crime.
“The intent of ‘Saturate’ was to prevent and reduce volume crime offending,” he said.
“We know that a relatively small number of people in our community are responsible for a significant number of offences and this is proven by our statistics, which show Saturate apprehended these 980 people a total of 4,022 times.”
He said of the 980 people put in front of the courts, 160 were apprehended five or more times, 34 more than 10 times and one 24 times.
The most common offences included stealing, family violence, failing to appear in court, burglary, drug offences and driving while unlicensed or disqualified and assault.
“If you choose to repeatedly commit crime in our community, Taskforce Saturate will investigate you and you will be held accountable,” Toohey said.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe at home, out in public and in their workplaces.”
