Tasmania Police’s Taskforce Saturate is continuing to target repeat offenders with 980 people now charged with more than 12,500 offences in Southern Tasmania.

Inspector John Toohey said, the crime reduction model now known as ‘Taskforce Saturate’ was first implemented in Southern Tasmania in January 2018.

“The intent of ‘Saturate’ was to prevent and reduce volume crime offending, and this model was initially scheduled to operate for three months.”

“Due to the direct correlation between Saturate activity and the reduction in total offences across the Southern District, the initiative was extended.”

“Since starting in 2018, Saturate has now charged 980 people with 12,523 offences.”

“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.”

“Further, of the 980 people, 160 were apprehended five or more times, with 34 of those apprehended more than 10 times, and one apprehended 24 times.”

“Our Saturate officers continue to work to identify and apprehend these offenders.”

Taskforce Saturate has laid charges over a wide range of crimes, including:

• Breach of Bail: 2,412
• Stealing: 1,773
• Family Violence related offences: 859
• Fail to appear: 613
• Burglary: 296
• Drug related offences: 267 (including 16 counts of trafficking in a controlled drug)
• Drive whilst unlicensed/ disqualified: 211
• Unlawful possession of property: 167
• Assault: 158
• Evade police: 134
• Robbery: 89
• Firearm offences: 75

“Tasmania Police will continue to prioritise the safety of our community.”

“Taskforce Saturate is a prime example of our commitment to reducing crime, and we will continue to target repeat offenders.”

“If you choose to repeatedly commit crime in our community, Taskforce Saturate will investigate you, and you will be held accountable, charged, and placed before the Court.”

“Everyone deserves to feel safe at home, out in public and in their workplaces,” he said.

Anyone who witnesses illegal or anti-social behaviour should report it to police on 131 444, or triple-zero (000) in an emergency. Information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au, and you can stay anonymous.