Detectives from Emerald’s Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) have charged two teenagers following investigations into several property offences.
It will be alleged between 1 August and 4 August, the two boys aged 14 and 15 entered a number of vehicles in Emerald and Blackwater, stealing cash and property inside the vehicles.
It will be further alleged the boys stole a white Isuzu D-Max between 8.30pm on 1 August and 4.50am on 2 August from a Mackenzie Street address in Blackwater.
The stolen vehicle was located damaged at a Judith Grove address in Emerald on 2 August.
Around 2pm on 4 August, police executed a search warrant at a Borilla Street address and arrested two teenage boys.
A quantity of stolen property reported was recovered and returned to victims.
A 14-year-old Emerald boy has been charged with six counts of enter premises, and one count each of unlawful use of motor vehicle, stealing, trespassing, and attempted enter premises.
He is due to appear before Emerald Magistrates Court on 23 September.
A 15-year-old Emerald boy has been charged with seven counts of enter premises, and two counts each of attempted enter premises, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and stealing.
He has been dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
Officer in Charge of Emerald CIB, Detective Sergeant Dylan Brook, said police will continue to target property offending in Emerald.
“We would like to thank the community for their assistance with investigations into these matters, and urge anyone with information relating to property crime to contact police,” said Detective Sergeant Brook.
“Officers are committed to reducing vehicle theft through a number of enforcement and preventative strategies.”
“To make your vehicle a less attractive target to opportunistic offenders, we also encourage everyone to lock your vehicle, park in secure locations, and use security devices where possible.”
Investigations are ongoing.
Operation Yankee Forge is a six-month, district-led, statewide initiative targeting high-harm and high-volume offences, including unlawful use of motor vehicles, unlawful entry and robbery.
The operation will enhance policing activities across Queensland to reduce victim numbers and strengthen community safety.
Police regions, supported by specialist squads, will undertake coordinated disruption activities across the state. Police will target high-harm offenders and work closely with partner agencies to ensure offenders are held accountable. With a strong focus on crime prevention, police will be highly visible as they prevent, disrupt and investigate offending, with particular emphasis on unlawful use, robbery and unlawful entry.
The operation will be locally led and centrally coordinated, leveraging the knowledge and experience of officers who know their communities best.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
