Queensland Police have reported 44 cars stolen in the first 12 days of December, and several arrests have already been made in Cairns.
In Freshwater, a 16‑year‑old boy was taken into custody after allegedly stealing a Nissan X‑Trail from Kamerunga Road on December 6 and a Mitsubishi Outlander from Old Smithfield Road on December 10.
Police say both vehicles were used in fuel drive‑offs across Freshwater, Stratford and North Cairns before the teen was arrested at a McLaughlin Road address. He has been charged with 18 offences, including unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing and entering a dwelling, and has been denied bail and appeared in Cairns Children’s court yesterday.
In a separate case, another 16‑year‑old boy was arrested following investigations into break‑ins and vehicle thefts across Mooroobool, Gordonvale, Brinsmead and Manoora between December 3 and 6. He faces 15 charges, including multiple counts of entering dwellings and unlawful use of motor vehicles, and has also been refused bail.
Meanwhile, three men were arrested in Brinsmead after police intercepted a stolen Nissan X‑Trail on Reservoir Road around midnight on December 10. Officers allege the occupants attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended.
A 50‑year‑old man was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and contravening police direction, a 26‑year‑old man faces charges of unlawful use and obstructing police, and a 22‑year‑old man was charged with unlawful use, driving under the influence and speeding.
The men are due to appear before the Cairns Magistrates Court in January. Police say investigations are ongoing as they continue to crack down on offenders amid the sharp rise in vehicle thefts this month.
