An alleged machete-linked crime spree that included the theft of a vehicle from Alexandra Headland and ended with arrests on the Sunshine Motorway has resulted in four teenagers being charged.
Police allege the group targeted properties across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast overnight between June 11 and 12, gaining entry to or attempting to enter 11 properties and stealing three vehicles.
Among the vehicles allegedly stolen was a Toyota LandCruiser from an Alexandra Headland address, along with a Hyundai Santa Fe from Calamvale and a Lexus CH200 from Runcorn.
The stolen Lexus was later found abandoned at Yarrabilba on June 12.
Police allege they located the group on June 12, at about 11.45pm, travelling in convoy in the stolen Toyota and Hyundai on the Sunshine Motorway at Sippy Downs.
Officers successfully deployed a tyre deflation device to stop the Toyota. Police allege the occupants then entered the Hyundai and attempted to flee before a second tyre deflation device was deployed about 11.50pm, bringing that vehicle to a stop.
Three teenage boys allegedly ran from the scene but were taken into custody nearby.
A fourth teenager was arrested on the evening of June 13 after officers executed a search warrant at a Yarrabilba address.
A 15-year-old Yarrabilba boy has been charged with multiple offences, including seven counts of attempted enter dwelling with intent, five counts of enter premises and commit, four counts of attempted enter premises with intent, three counts each of enter dwelling and commit and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, two counts of wilful damage, and one count each of stealing, dangerous operation of a vehicle and armed robbery. He was scheduled to appear in Beenleigh Children’s Court on Monday.
A 14-year-old Durack boy has been charged with multiple offences, including seven counts of attempted enter dwelling with intent by break at night, two counts each of enter dwelling and commit, armed robbery and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and one count each of enter dwelling with intent, stealing, wilful damage and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear in Maroochydore Children’s Court on June 17.
A 15-year-old Coomera boy has been charged with two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one count of being face masked, blackened or disguised with intent to commit an indictable offence. He is due to appear in Maroochydore Children’s Court on June 17.
A 17-year-old Boronia Heights boy has been charged with two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one count of being face masked, blackened or disguised with intent to commit an indictable offence. He is also due to appear in Maroochydore Children’s Court on June 17.
The arrests form part of Operation Yankee Forge, a six-month state-wide initiative targeting high-harm and high-volume offences including unlawful use of motor vehicles, unlawful entry and robbery through coordinated policing and crime prevention activities across Queensland.
Police said investigations are ongoing.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at police.qld.gov.au/reporting. Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestoppersqld.com.au. Quote this reference number: QI2601121571.
