Three teenage girls are facing a string of charges following what police allege was a Christmas crime spree across several Cairns suburbs, involving stolen vehicles and pilfered presents.
Alleged Spree Across Multiple Suburbs
Queensland Police allege the incidents occurred on the evening of Friday, December 22, 2023. The spree is said to have begun in the suburb of Manunda, where a black Toyota Prado was reportedly stolen from a Wattle Street residence.
Investigators claim the same group then targeted a home on Anderson Street in Manoora. It is alleged the girls broke into the property and stole a set of car keys. Using these keys, they are accused of taking a white Toyota RAV4 from the address.
The alleged crime wave continued in the nearby suburb of Mooroobool. Police assert that the teenagers entered a house on Pease Street and stole a quantity of Christmas gifts that were intended for the holiday period.
Police Investigation and Charges Laid
Following investigations, officers from the Cairns Property Crime Squad located and arrested the three girls. A 13-year-old from Manoora, a 14-year-old from Westcourt, and a 15-year-old from Mooroobool were all taken into custody.
Each teenager has been charged with a range of offences. The charges include:
- Two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle
- One count of enter dwelling with intent
- One count of burglary
The younger two girls, aged 13 and 14, faced these charges in the Cairns Childrens Court on Saturday, December 23. The 15-year-old is scheduled to appear in the same court at a later date.
Community Impact and Police Response
The alleged offences have cast a shadow over the festive period for the affected families, with the theft of Christmas presents representing a particularly distressing violation. The recovery of the stolen vehicles has been confirmed by police.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding youth crime in the region. Police efforts to address property crime remain a focal point for the Cairns district. The swift arrests demonstrate the priority placed on such investigations, especially during a time traditionally associated with family and security.
Authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant about home and vehicle security, even during the busy holiday season. Simple measures such as locking doors and windows, securing keys out of sight, and not leaving gifts in plain view can deter opportunistic crimes.
