Media Release

Afternoon Round-up

Vehicle stolen, Chermside: A 34-year-old man is assisting police with their inquiries into an incident that occurred at Chermside Shopping Centre this morning. Around 11am a woman was taking her baby out of her car when a man parked nearby, got out of his vehicle, and grabbed the woman’s keys from the woman’s pram before driving off in her vehicle. Neither the woman nor the baby was injured. The man then drove a short distance away and tried to steal another woman’s car, but was unsuccessful. He then fled the scene in the stolen vehicle. He was located later in Northgate. Inquiries are continuing.

Chemist break-in, Merrimac: Police are investigating a break-in that occurred at the Gooding Drive Day and Night Chemist in Merrimac early this morning. Around 2am two men used a paver to smash their way into the store, before escaping with a large amount of drugs. One man is described as Caucasian, 180cm tall, with a solid build, and was wearing gloves, brown thongs, three-quarter-length dark blue shorts, a long-sleeved green shirt, and a black hooded jumper. The second man is described as Caucasian, 180cm tall, with a proportionate build and blonde curly hair. He was wearing a white hooded jumper and gloves.

Assault and robbery, Mooloolaba: Police are investigating an assault and robbery that occurred at an underground car park in Mooloolaba this morning. Around 1.20am a 40-year-old Maroochydore man was walking on the Esplanade when he was lured into the car park by a woman. When he reached the bottom of the stairs, a man sprayed him with foam from a fire extinguisher and hit him on the head. The victim fell to the ground and continued to be assaulted, before his mobile phone and cigarettes were stolen and the offenders fled the scene. The man then made his way upstairs and sought assistance. He was taken to Caloundra Hospital for treatment to lacerations and bruising to the head. At least three males were involved in the assault. The main offender was wearing a black t-shirt and shorts, brown thongs, and he had a solid build, and short dark hair. The second man is described as being in his mid-20s with fair shoulder-length hair, a scruffy appearance, a slim build, and he was wearing a blue shirt and light-coloured shorts. The victim was unable to give a description of the third man. The woman is described as being in her early-20s, about 155cm tall, with a slim build, and shoulder-length wavy brown hair.

Anyone with any information that may assist police with their inquiries should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Operation Isa Orpheus, Mount Isa: Local officers, assisted by Townsville Correctional Centre dog squad handlers, charged twelve Mount Isa residents yesterday as a part of Operation Isa Orpheus. A number of search warrants were executed in residential areas resulting in 29 charges for drug (including cannabis and methylamphetamines), weapon, and property offences. Two women and ten men were charged, the youngest a 19-year-old man who was allegedly located with stolen property, drugs, firearms, and explosives. The oldest, a 45-year-old man, was issued with a Notice to Appear after a hydroponic set-up was allegedly located. All ten were issued with a Notices to Appear in the Mount Isa Magistrates Court at a later date. The operation was based on information provided by the public to Crime Stoppers and local police. Police wish to thank the public for their assistance as it has had a significant impact on drug-related crime in Mount Isa.

House fire, Nerang: An unoccupied house at Nerang was destroyed by fire early this morning. Around 6.20am emergency services were called to the fire on Riverview Road. Investigations are continuing into the cause of the blaze.

Anyone with any information that may assist police with their inquiries should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.