Police have increased patrols and are scanning for weapons at a bus interchange as part of a crackdown on youth antisocial behaviour.
Queensland Police issued a media release stating that local police were working with local businesses and the wider community to reduce unruly behaviour around the Caloundra bus station, as part of Operation Whiskey Youth.
Officers have increased patrols in the area and are scanning for weapons in line with Jacks Law, addressing any instances of antisocial behaviour and engaging directly with the community through face-to-face interactions.
It comes after many locals took to social media to express their concerns about safety earlier this month.
Police stated that, since July 1 2025, 561 people, including 369 juveniles, have been wanded in the Caloundra Division, with three weapons located and seized.
Southern Patrol Group Inspector Jason Shepherd said they were promising results but police will continue to remain highly visible in the precinct.
“Residents and visitors have the right to feel safe when using public transport, especially during busy school holiday periods,” he said.
“You can expect to see police anywhere and at any time across Caloundra, working together with the community to ensure everyone makes it safely to their destination.”
Inspector Shepherd also asked parents to work with police and set clear expectations with their children.
“Be aware of your child’s whereabouts, who they are with, and what activities they are undertaking. Speak directly with them about the consequences of possessing weapons in these spaces and behaving in an anti-social or unacceptable way.”
In a Caloundra-based social media group recently, a local’s call for increased security and claims of violent incidents prompted dozens of comments.
“Always dodgy people around there. I feel nervous getting in the lift alone,” one said.
“I’m a young woman and feel extremely unsafe catching the bus from Caloundra. I have been harassed by groups of teenagers,” another added
“50 cent fares aren’t worth s*** if you can’t get to and from your destination safely,” one commented.
Caloundra Police Sergeant Dan Barker said that local authorities were taking action.
“We take safety very, very seriously. The community transport hubs such as the Caloundra bus exchange are very important to the community, not only for tourists but also for residents as they go about their daily life,” he told media on Friday.
“Caloundra Police are aware of a number of anti-social behaviours that are happening down there (at the Caloundra CBD and bus exchange).
“Caloundra Police are addressing those behaviours and those safety concerns that members of the community do have, by using intelligence-led activities and proactive activities.
“By that, I mean we’re using Jack’s Law to conduct wandings down at the bus exchange and interacting with members of the community down there.”
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He urged parents to be vigilant.
“I’d like to see that parents do take an active interest in where their kids are and who they are associating with and also the activities that they’re up to,” he said.
“It’s all well and good to be down there at the bus exchange for travel and for lawful purposes but we don’t want to see children congregating down there with antisocial behaviour.”
Sunshine Coast News has reached out to Caloundra MP Kendall Hatcher and Sunshine Coast Council for comments. The Department of Transport and Main Roads referred SCN to Queensland Police.
