The Queensland Government says a bootcamp for juvenile offenders could be set up in the state's north earlier than planned.

Townsville residents have raised concerns about a recent spate of car thefts by youths and are calling for tougher measures.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie says if a trial in Cairns and the Gold Coast is successful, a camp could be set up in Townsville to deal with young offenders

Mr Bleijie says it is a better option than imposing tougher sentences.

"The solution is not to throw the kids in prison and throw away the key, because ultimately they'll come out and they'll be worse than when they came in and that benefits no one," he said.

"I know Townsville is crying out for a bootcamp and I'll talking to residents about the matter."