Arrests made for number of vehicle thefts, Ashgrove
On Thursday, January 26, at approximately 2:30 p.m., offenders are reported to have entered a residence in Panorama Street, Ashgrove, through an open garage door where they stole two vehicles.
Once on site, the offenders located the keys to a gray Volkswagen Eos convertible, as well as a silver Toyota Landcruiser, which they later stole.
Two other reported breaking and enterings also occurred in the area around the same time.
Both of these incidents also involved offenders entering through open garages or carports to rummage through unsecured vehicles and steal property.
CCTV from a neighboring residence identified a blue Toyota Hilux as a suspicious vehicle.
The vehicle was parked nearby during the offending times and also identified a number of suspects.
On Sunday, January 29, the gray Volkswagen Eos convertible was seen driving on Gympie Road and Hamilton Road, around Chermside and Wavell Heights.
The vehicle was located by Polair and seen entering a unit complex on Youngs Road, Petrie.
Police attended the unit complex and located the stolen vehicle, along with a blue Toyota Hilux that had been reported stolen from Cannon Hill on Wednesday 25 January.
Along with these vehicles, on the morning of Friday, January 27, police also located a blue Audi A1 that had been reported stolen from Cashmere.
The silver Toyota Landcruiser, Queensland registration 243WZK, stolen from Panorama Street, Ashgrove, remains outstanding.
Four people were arrested and charged in connection with these offences.
A 17-year-old Brighton boy and a 17-year-old Banyo girl were issued a notice to appear in the Brisbane Children’s Court at a later date for the unlawful use of a motor vehicle offence.
A 16-year-old Stafford girl has been bailed to appear in the Brisbane Children’s Court at a later date for unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
A 14-year-old Stafford boy has been refused bail and will appear in the Pine Rivers Juvenile Court on charges of trespassing and committing an indictable offence, receiving contaminated property and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
In this case, CCTV was very useful for the police in linking offenses and identifying suspects.
There are often typical circumstances that occur before a house is broken into.
Trespassers are often opportunistic and will prefer unlocked doors to a property that presents obstacles.
Homes with windows or doors left open or unsecured are more likely to be favored by a potential offender.
Criminals often look for cash or credit cards, small valuables and electronic items, which can be quickly sold for cash.
They also typically target car keys that are left in plain sight, so always make sure your car and house keys are secured and stored out of sight.
In the event they are stolen, have the locks replaced or keyless security reprogrammed immediately as offenders may return to the initial break-in.
Further information can be found on the Home Security fact sheet.
Community Camera Alliance offers an opportunity to register your closed circuit television (CCTV) system with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to make the community safer.
More information about Community Camera Alliance and how to register can be found at Community Camera Alliance | QPS (police.qld.gov.au)
