Detectives from the Weipa Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) have charged two teenagers with 46 offences following the alleged theft of three vehicles from a local business.
In a statement, Queensland Police said that on 9 February, the boys forced entry to an Evans Landing business and stole two Toyota Hilux’s and a Nissan Patrol vehicle.
All three vehicles were found abandoned at Napranum later the same morning.
Police further allege on 11 February, the teens forced entry to and damaged several vehicles at a car rental facility.
Both boys were arrested in Mission River later that day.
A 17-year-old Kewarra Beach boy was charged with 27 offences including three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, one count of wilful damage, 14 counts of enter premises with intent to commit indictable offence and two counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence.
A 17-year-old Mission River boy was charged with 19 offences including three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, 14 counts of enter premises with intent to commit indictable offences and two counts of enter premises and commit.
Police bail was refused, and the 17-year-old Kewarra Beach boy is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Childrens Court today. The 17-year-old Mission River boy was dealt with under provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
Officer in Charge of the Weipa CIB, Detective Sergeant Luke Russell said local police have a zero-tolerance approach to this type of offending.
“Our officers are committed to ensuring community safety and will continue to target offenders causing harm to people, and their property,” Detective Sergeant Russell said.
“We urge business owners and residents to ensure their belongings, vehicles and homes are secure to prevent and disrupt opportunistic offending.”
