Queensland Police Service has launched Operation Xray Secure to turn the spotlight on opportunistic offenders targeting homes and businesses left vulnerable during severe weather in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
As part of Operation Xray Secure, officers will conduct additional proactive anti-looting patrols of affected areas across the southeast, to disrupt and prevent crime, protect properties and enhance community safety.
More than 110 additional police from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton have arrived in the southeast to support the police and emergency services response to the ongoing severe weather, joining an extra 249 police officers already deployed alongside local police resources.
Sixty-five extra State Emergency Service (SES) personnel have also deployed to the southeast, with a further 100 expected to arrive from interstate tomorrow.
Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon said police are committed to keeping Queenslanders safe through the weather event.
“Police across the southeast will be out in force, bolstered again by additional police and SES resources.
“Whether it’s responding to calls for assistance, disrupting opportunistic thieves targeting innocent Queenslander’s properties or providing a helping hand where it’s needed most.
“We urge anyone who observes suspicious or criminal behaviour to report it to police, this information is invaluable in helping inform where proactive patrols are needed most.
“We ask all Queenslanders to stay up to date with warnings, stay safe on our roads and to always put your safety first.”
Police efforts under Operation Xray Secure have already resulted in several arrests during proactive patrols on the Gold Coast and Brisbane overnight.
Gold Coast police were called just after 6pm on Sunday, to a Frank Street unit complex at Labrador, following reports a vehicle had been broken into and items stolen, in the building’s flooded carpark.
Police attended and conducted patrols, locating a 26-year-old man nearby. It will be alleged he was located with a knife, drug utensils and stolen property. He was taken into custody and charged with stealing by looting in natural disaster, possess drug utensils and possession of a knife in public. His bail was refused, and he is expected to appear at Southport Magistrates Court today.
In Brisbane’s south, police were conducting proactive patrols in Rocklea at 11pm yesterday when a vehicle with false registration plates was observed stationary in flood waters.
It will be alleged the driver, a 44-year-old Crestmead man, was found in possession of 10 sets of vehicle keys, drug utensils, and house breaking implements. He attempted to run from police but was taken into custody at the scene. He has been charged with property and traffic offences and will appear in Richlands Magistrates Court at a later date.
On Brisbane’s north, police conducting proactive patrols at Nudgee Beach just after midday yesterday observed a man with a machete in his pants. The 27-year-old Warner man has been charged with one count of possess knife in a public place and is expected to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on April 9.
