QUEENSLAND police minister Neil Roberts has insisted the number of police on the beat on the Gold Coast is on the increase and crime rates are on the decrease despite a television report branding the city as the crime capital of Australia.

On Sunday night, 60 Minutes painted a grim picture of life on the tourist strip, claiming the crime rate was spiralling out of control with an armed hold-up every two days.

But both Gold Coast mayor Ron Clarke and the police minister insisted the Gold Coast is a safe place to work, live and visit.

"The Police Commissioner created a dedicated Serious and Violent Crime squad of 20 officers, now based in Surfers Paradise, and a month-long blitz on crime codenamed Operation Seymour," Mr Roberts said.

"Both of these initiatives were and continue to be successful with the Serious and Violent Crime Squad continuing to make arrests and bringing those involved in crimes before the courts.

"Local police officers are working hard to address crime issues and help keep the community safe."

Cr Clarke has given the television report a score of minus five. "I'd give it a minus five out of 10," he said.

"The story was mainly based around a random shooting - the only one that's occurred, I think, on the Gold Coast."

Gold Coast criminal lawyer Bill Potts said a depressed economy and high unemployment had added to the Gold Coast's challenges.

"As someone once said, it's a sunny place for shady people," he said.