1.0 MISSION STATEMENT

1.1 Townsville Crime is a community-led initiative dedicated to the identification and location of stolen privately owned vehicles within the Australian community. Our mission is to provide a rapid-response, technology-enabled investigative resource to the public, free of charge, to facilitate the safe recovery of property and enhance community safety through collective vigilance.

2.0 TERMS OF SERVICE & GENERAL DISCLAIMER

2.1 Service Provision: Townsville Crime provides information-gathering services via https://www.townsvillecrime.com at no cost to the user.
2.2 No Agency: Townsville Crime is not a law enforcement agency, licensed private investigation firm, or security provider. We do not exercise police powers.
2.3 No Guarantee: While we endeavour to verify information, Townsville Crime makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or timeliness of data provided by third parties or volunteers.

3.0 ANONYMOUS TIP SUBMISSION POLICY

3.1 Submission: Members of the public may submit tips regarding suspected stolen vehicles through our website.
3.2 Police Reports: A formal Police Report Number is not required to initiate an investigation or report a sighting through Townsville Crime.
3.3 Anonymity: We maintain strict confidentiality regarding tipster identities unless disclosure is compelled by a court of competent jurisdiction.

4.0 VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT

4.1 Status: Volunteers are independent participants and are not employees, contractors, or agents of Townsville Crime.
4.2 Acceptance of Terms: By participating in any “spotting” or investigative activity, the volunteer agrees to be bound by this Policy in its entirety.

5.0 VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT

5.1 Lawful Conduct: Volunteers must comply with the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) and all relevant Australian Commonwealth and State laws.

5.2 Prohibited Actions: Volunteers are strictly prohibited from trespassing on private property, detaining individuals, or engaging in “citizen’s arrests” while representing Townsville Crime.

5.3 Road Safety: Volunteers must adhere to all Australian Road Rules. Dangerous driving, speeding, or mobile phone use while driving is strictly forbidden.

6.0 WORK HEALTH & SAFETY (WHS) CLAUSE

6.1 Assumption of Risk: Volunteers acknowledge that locating stolen property involves inherent physical and legal risks. Participation is entirely at the individual’s own risk.

6.2 Non-Confrontation Directive: Volunteers are strictly prohibited from engaging in physical confrontations, interceptions, or “high-speed pursuits.” Personal safety must always take precedence over property location.

7.0 VEHICLE RECOVERY PROTOCOL

7.1 Observation Only: Townsville Crime’s protocol is limited to the location and observation of vehicles.

7.2 Non-Responsibility: Townsville Crime and its volunteers are not responsible for the physical recovery, towing, or securing of any vehicle. Owners should contact the Queensland Police Service (QPS) once a location is identified.

8.0 REWARD HANDLING POLICY

8.1 Eligibility: Volunteers are not prohibited from accepting rewards or “finders’ fees” offered by the legal owners of recovered vehicles.

8.2 Independent Transaction: Any reward is a private matter between the volunteer and the owner. Townsville Crime takes no commission and assumes no liability for the non-payment of rewards.

9.0 MEDIA & SOCIAL MEDIA EVIDENCE POLICY

9.1 Evidence Handling: Any photographic or video evidence obtained by volunteers must be submitted to Townsville Crime administration before being shared on public forums.

9.2 Public Posting: Users must not post inflammatory content, calls for vigilante justice, or information that interferes with active police investigations.

9.3 Website Images: Townsville Crime may utilise images or information from other platforms such as but not limited to “Facebook”.

10.0 GRIEVANCE & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

10.1 Internal Review: Complaints regarding volunteer conduct or service accuracy must be submitted via the website contact form.

10.2 Mediation: In the event of a dispute, parties agree to attempt informal resolution and/or independent mediation before commencing legal proceedings.

11.0 DONATIONS POLICY

11.1 Allocation of Funds: All donations made via https://www.townsvillecrime.com are used exclusively to cover operational costs, specifically: fuel reimbursements for active spotting, minor equipment/vehicle maintenance, and website hosting fees.

11.2 Non-Refundable: Donations are voluntary and non-refundable.

12.0 PRIVACY COLLECTION NOTICE & WEBSITE PRIVACY

12.1 Compliance: We comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

12.2 Data Collection: Personal information is collected solely to verify theft reports and facilitate communication between the community and law enforcement.

13.0 WEBSITE TERMS OF USE & DMCA

13.1 Usage: Users must not use the website for any unlawful purpose or to harass any individual.

13.2 Copyright (DMCA): Townsville Crime respects intellectual property. Notifications of claimed copyright infringement should be sent to the website administrator.

14.0 INDEMNITY & LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

14.1 Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by law, Townsville Crime and its officers shall not be liable for any personal injury, death, or property damage (including damage to the stolen vehicle) arising from our services.

14.2 Indemnity: The user and/or volunteer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Townsville Crime against any claims, losses, or legal costs arising from their breach of this policy.

15.0 AMENDMENTS

15.1 Townsville Crime reserves the right to amend this policy at any time. Continued use of the service or website constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

16.0 JURISDICTION

16.1 This policy is governed by the laws of the State of Queensland, Australia. All parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland.

Last Updated: April 11 2026, 20:45am