Queensland Police Archives

West End Finalises Fixed CCTV Additions Amid City-Wide Mobile Camera Rollout

Neighbourhood safety is being enhanced through the deployment of 26 new mobile CCTV cameras across all city wards and the installation of the program’s final new fixed camera on Boundary Street in West End.

Mobile Camera Deployment Under Safer Suburbs Initiative

The rollout of the 26 mobile safety cameras is a key part of the Lord Mayor’s Safer Suburbs initiative, an effort the Council committed to during the recent local elections. Each city’s 26 wards will receive one mobile unit.

These cameras will not stay in one place; instead, they will be moved to different locations identified as crime hotspots, guided by feedback from residents and the Queensland Police Service (QPS). Central Ward’s first camera placement will be in New Farm Park, an example of this rotation plan.

Fixed Camera Network Expansion

Alongside the mobile units, Council has also expanded its permanent surveillance network. New fixed CCTV cameras have been installed under the Safer Suburbs Initiative at several locations: Luxworth Place in Moorooka, Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve, Milton Common Park, Tinchi Tamba Reserve in Bald Hills, Musgrave Park in West End, Caxton Street in Petrie Terrace, Minnippi Parklands in Murarrie, the Forest Lake Bus Stop for the 100 and 110 services, and the Inala Plaza bus station.

The installation at Boundary Street in West End, scheduled for completion within this financial year, marks the final site in this phase of fixed camera additions. These new cameras join an existing network of over 3800 fixed safety cameras operating across Brisbane.

Technology and Monitoring

The new mobile cameras feature modern technology. They are solar-powered and can operate for up to six days without direct sunlight. Footage from these state-of-the-art cameras feeds directly into Council’s security centre, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The system is designed to send automatic notifications if unusual behaviour is detected, such as groups gathering in suburban parks during the early hours of the morning.

Community Safety Goals

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner stated that Council is determined to keep Brisbane safe and maintain its reputation for having the best lifestyle in Australia. He emphasised the importance of making suburbs safer, ensuring youth crime is taken seriously, and keeping neighbourhoods clean and safe for residents to live, work, and relax.

This investment in mobile cameras aims to protect the community and Brisbane’s lifestyle. The Safer Suburbs Initiative also awarded 69 grants to local sports and community clubs to help improve their security.

Police Endorsement and Effectiveness

Queensland Police spokesperson Inspector Michelle Piket indicated that the QPS welcomes the expansion of the mobile camera network, which will benefit the wider Brisbane region.

She noted that the Council’s camera network plays an essential role in major event operations and the daily monitoring of hotspots, helping to ensure community safety and allowing for the quick detection and interception of offences. Inspector Piket affirmed that CCTV has proven to be a critical investigative tool for police and can deter potential offenders, helping combat issues like anti-social behaviour, theft, illegal dumping, and vandalism.

Council has advised that residents with suggestions for where the new rotating suburban safety cameras should be located can provide their input by contacting their local Councillor.

Published Date 05-May-2025

Man Charged After Violent Carjacking in West End

Photo Credit: Queensland Police

A delivery driver was allegedly assaulted and his vehicle stolen in West End after a man forcibly entered his vehicle and drove off with him inside, resulting in a collision. Police have charged a 25-year-old man from Cherbourg following the incident.

Police reports indicate the incident occurred on Echlin Street at approximately 2:30 p.m. The delivery driver, a 24-year-old, was conducting his duties when a man allegedly entered his vehicle. The man then drove away with the driver still inside the vehicle. The vehicle subsequently collided with a power pole.

Following the collision, the man is alleged to have assaulted the driver, who sustained facial injuries and was subsequently transported to Townsville University Hospital for treatment.

A public member intervened during the altercation, prompting the alleged offender to flee the scene in his vehicle. Police officers located and apprehended the man a short time later.

The 25-year-old Cherbourg man has been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle involving violence, unlawful entry of a vehicle to commit an indictable offence, and unlicensed driving. He is scheduled to appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court.

The man will face court to answer the charges laid against him. The police will present evidence relating to the alleged carjacking, assault, and traffic offences. The victim is recovering from his injuries.

Published Date 23-March-2025

Mother-of-Two Last Seen in West End, Found Dead in Brisbane River

Photo Credit: QPS

Police have launched a homicide investigation after the body of 49-year-old Crystal Beale was found in the Brisbane River. The Sunshine Coast woman was last seen in West End, having dinner with her family and ex-partner. Detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

A Night Out Ends in Tragedy

Crystal Beale, a mother-of-two, had been visiting family in Brisbane on 21 February. That evening, she dined at a restaurant in Sunnybank before being dropped off at Ryan Street in West End. Hours later, at approximately 5:40 a.m. the next morning, a member of the public discovered her body in the river at Yeronga.

Initially, police did not consider her death suspicious. There were no visible injuries. However, following a postmortem examination, authorities now believe her death to be suspicious. The police are treating Ms Beale’s death as a homicide.

West End homicide — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Queensland Police have released CCTV footage showing Ms Beale on the night she was last seen. She was wearing a slim-fitting white dress and carrying a brown leather satchel. Investigators believe she was near Orleigh Park and Ryan Street in West End between 9:30 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.

Detective Acting Inspector Rod Watts confirmed multiple lines of inquiry were being pursued. The possibility of a random attack and the involvement of someone known to Ms Beale are also being considered. Police have spoken with her ex-partner, but no arrests have been made.

Family and Friends Remember Crystal Beale

Ms Beale’s children, a daughter and a 15-year-old son, are devastated by the loss of their mother. Her daughter, Charlie, described her as a talented artist and a writer. She was a deeply caring person who “constantly put herself out for others.”

Friends also shared their grief. They remembered Ms Beale as a kind-hearted woman with an infectious smile. One friend said that she was a beautiful lady, inside and out. Another recalled her generosity and warmth.

Crystal Beale — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Ongoing Investigation and Community Concerns

The homicide investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage from West End and surrounding areas. Police are also analysing tidal patterns to determine how long Ms Beale’s body had been in the river.

Community concerns over violence against women have been reignited following Ms Beale’s death. She is the 14th Australian woman killed in 2025 and the 117th since 1 January 2024. Her death prompts renewed calls for action on gendered violence.

Authorities are urging anyone in the West End area during the specified timeframe or who may have seen Ms Beale to provide information. Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 13-Mar-2025