Four teenagers were charged over multiple alleged robberies and a stolen vehicle incident this morning, March 22.
It will be alleged around 3pm on Wednesday, March 20, a Nissan Pulsar was stolen from the carpark of a Manunda shopping centre.
At 7:15am on March 21, the vehicle pulled up beside a 72-year-old woman on Digger Street and an occupant allegedly stole her handbag, before pushing her to the ground.
It will be further alleged the vehicle was involved in fuel drive offs at a Kuranda service station and a Brinsmead service station later that day.
Officers from the Tactical Crime Squad, Dog Squad, Cairns Criminal Investigation Branch and Cairns Property Crime Unit were deployed to track the vehicle.
Following the successful deployment of a tyre deflation device around 1am, the vehicle was located on Benjamina Street and the four teenagers were quickly arrested.
A 14-year-old White Rock boy was charged with three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and one count each of stealing, enter dwelling and commit.
A 17-year-old White Rock girl was charged with one count each of stealing, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and failure to appear.
A 16-year-old Woree boy was charged with three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and two counts of enter dwelling and commit.
A 15-year-old Mooroobool girl was charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and five counts of breach of curfew.
All four were refused bail and will appear in the Cairns Childrens Court.
Far North District Police continue to conduct high visibility patrols and proactive engagement activities, to disrupt, deter and prevent youth offending.
Police are targeting hotspot locations with patrols, conducting bail compliance checks, referring youth to support services and programs, and conducting crime prevention operations to support the community.
Detective Acting Inspector Jason Chetham said police are taking action to target serious repeat offenders.
“Officers are listening and taking proactive action to arrest offenders who put others at risk,” Detective Acting Inspector Chetham said.
“Our first priority is keeping the community safety and we thank the public for their support and assistance while we continue to address this issue”.
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.
