More than 50 people, including 15 juveniles, have been charged with 100 offences by Sunshine Coast police during the first month of a statewide crackdown on high-harm offending.
Operation Yankee Forge focuses on targeting unlawful use, robbery and unlawful entry offences, with officers focused on preventing, disrupting and investigating crime.
About 1.20am on March 28, a man attended an address on Driers Road, Cooran, and allegedly entered a blue Mazda BT-50 that was parked outside.
When the 39-year-old female resident and owner of the vehicle approached the man, he allegedly threatened her with a knife before driving off in her vehicle.
Police intercepted the Mazda on Wises Road, Maroochydore, and arrested the man.
A 32-year-old Maroochydore man was charged with one count each of armed robbery, dangerous operation of a vehicle, evading police, driving under the influence of liquor, driving unaccompanied as a learner, possess property suspected of being used in connection with the commission of a drug offence, and two counts of possessing dangerous drugs. He is due to face Maroochydore Magistrates Court on March 30.
Elsewhere, highway patrol officers will allege a stolen motorbike was being driven dangerously along Perwillowen Road, Burnside, about 4.30pm on March 17 when the rider failed to stop for police.
A 36-year-old Nambour man was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle. He is due to face Nambour Magistrates Court on April 20.
Sunshine Coast District Officer Superintendent Craig Hawkins said the results showed the positive relationships local police had with members of the public.
“Information provided by the community allows us to react quickly to prevent criminal activity and possible further victims,” he said.
“The assistance and support of the Sunshine Coast community allow us to maintain the safe environment and lifestyle we enjoy, and police are committed to keeping the Sunshine Coast the safest place in the state.”
Operation Yankee Forge is a six-month, high-visibility, statewide initiative to reduce victim numbers and strengthen community safety. The operation will be locally led and centrally coordinated.
Sunshine Coast police have so far charged 53 people as part of the operation.
