One of the latest victims in a spate of break-ins and car thefts in one of the Sunshine Coast’s newest and prestigious estates says he feels ‘violated’ by the ordeal.
Social media has been awash with posts from frustrated Bokarina Beach homeowners and tenants who have reported criminals breaking into their cars and homes, stealing property and vehicles.
While victims have been forced to beef up their security, they’ve also appealed to neighbours or others in the area at the time of the offences to offer up home CCTV or dashcam footage.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson confirmed Kawana Waters Police Division, which covers Bokarina, has had an increase in property-related crime in recent weeks.
“Offenders are targeting unlocked vehicles and, to a lesser extent, insecure premises,” the spokesperson said.
“Police have increased patrols in identified hotspots in the division and are continuing to work with support units and the local community to prevent and deter this offending.”
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One of the victims of the current crime wave is Ray White Maroochydore sales and marketing consultant Lachie Woods.
He posted his predicament on the Bokarina Beach Community Connection Facebook page on Monday, December 5: “We were broken into last night – one of our cars has been stolen, and two of our other cars have been broken into with some of the contents being stolen (house and other car keys),” the post said.
“We live on Switchfoot St and assume the break-in would have been in the early hours of the morning (12am-4am).
“If anyone would happen to have any supporting camera footage, we would really appreciate you sharing it with us.”
Mr Woods as yet has no leads on the black Mitsubishi Triton with silver sports bar and registration number 000 AL5. Its tray was full of work equipment, including a ladder and drill.
Mr Woods had to scramble to replace locks at his home and is now looking to install sensor lights and other security measures.
But he is resigned to the likelihood that if the three-year-old vehicle is found, it won’t be in a similar condition as before the theft.
“I just feel violated,” he said.
“The car was parked out the front of the house on the side of the road. They broke into the house, and stole the keys from the office.
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“They also broke into a white VW Golf which was parked out the front and emptied all the glovebox and centre console. They didn’t have the keys so they couldn’t take that car.
“When they took the keys for the Triton, they must have taken the keys for the VW Passat parked in the garage which they also basically turned inside out, stealing a pair of Ray Ban glasses.
“A few people have reached out but no one seems to have any supporting security camera footage.
“What they stole were only objects and they can always be replaced. We are just glad no one was hurt.”
Nerida O’Keefe voiced the concerns of a growing number of local residents in commenting on Mr Woods’ Facebook post: “What is going on in our area so much crime taking place. Unbelievable.”
In a separate incident, Rebecca Parkes posted to the same group earlier this month: “One of our cars was broken into last night at Singlefin Crescent. Did this happen to anyone else? Or did anyone’s cameras see anything? Our cameras didn’t pick it up.”
Kerryn Andrews-Conroy replied: “Happened to my daughter’s car a few weeks ago in Tailslide Crescent … happening a lot around Bokarina.”
The QPS spokesperson said detectives from the Sunshine Coast District Property Crime Squad had charged a 17-year-old Sippy Downs boy on December 2 with one count of enter dwelling and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
They also charged a 17-year-old Maryborough girl with enter dwelling, unlawful use of motor vehicle and stealing.
Both had been remanded in custody and were due to reappear in the Maroochydore Children’s Court on December 7.
Investigations are continuing into other reported offences.
Police are reminding members of the public is to ensure they secure cars and houses and avoid leaving valuables such as e-scooters accessible.
Members of public with their own personal security camera systems are encouraged to register their CCTV with the Community Camera Alliance program.
Crime prevention and security information can be found here for homes and here for vehicles and bikes.
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