Four teenagers have been charged following an alleged crime spree involving machetes that spanned more than 24 hours across Queensland. Police allege the group broke into 11 properties, stole three vehicles, and targeted homes on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane, and on the Sunshine Coast between June 11 and 12.
Details of the Alleged Crimes
According to police, the group stole personal items and three vehicles, including a Toyota LandCruiser from an Alexandra Headland address, a Hyundai Santa Fe from Calamvale, and a Lexus CH200 from Runcorn. The stolen Lexus was later found abandoned on June 12 in Yarrabilba.
Police Pursuit and Arrests
Police located the group in the allegedly stolen Toyota LandCruiser and Hyundai Santa Fe on the Sunshine Motorway at Sippy Downs around 11:45 PM on June 12. Tyre spikes stopped the Toyota, but police allege the occupants scrambled into the Hyundai and attempted to flee. A second set of spikes brought that vehicle to a halt about 11:50 PM. Police vision allegedly shows members of the group scrambling into the second vehicle after the first was stopped during a pursuit supported by PolAir. Three teenage boys allegedly fled the scene but were taken into custody nearby. A fourth teenager was arrested on the evening of June 13 when officers executed a search warrant at a Yarrabilba address.
Previous Incident
The arrests come days after 7NEWS revealed how two mates playing cards late at night spotted a group of alleged intruders prowling outside a Helensvale home on Friday. When residents confronted the group, the alleged offenders abandoned attempts to steal two vehicles. CCTV footage appears to show one of the alleged offenders carrying a machete during the late-night raid. Neighbours raced to drag wheelie bins across the road in an effort to trap the suspects inside a dead-end street, but the getaway car smashed through the makeshift barricade and escaped.
Charges and Court Appearances
A 15-year-old Yarrabilba boy, a 14-year-old Durack boy, a 15-year-old Coomera boy, and a 17-year-old Boronia Heights boy have all been charged with multiple offences. The four teenagers are scheduled to appear before the Beenleigh and Maroochydore Children’s Courts over the coming days. Investigations remain ongoing.
