Teen boy charged with stealing, setting fire to vehicles in Mackay region

Police have arrested a teen boy over a string of property crimes including stealing two high-end vehicles that were found burnt out days later.

Police have arrested a teen boy over a string of property crimes committed across Mackay including stealing two high-end vehicles that were both found burnt out days later.

Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Eaton said officers found the 17 year old in Rockhampton and he will appear in court this morning on a raft of offences.

Police allege he is linked to the theft of a new Dodge Ram ute stolen from New Pioneer Motors holding yard on Glenella Richmond Rd on July 25.

The 2022 model ute, that sells for anywhere from $80,000 to $143,000, was found burnt out on English St on July 29.

Senior Sergeant Eaton said police further alleged the teen was involved in stealing a Lexus from a Rockhampton address on July 27.

That vehicle was also found burnt out on July 29 on the Bruce Highway at St Lawrence, he said.

“We believe that this offending is linked to other like offences committed in Mackay over the past three to four weeks,” Senior Sergeant Eaton said.

The 17 year old is charged with two counts each of arson, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and receiving tainted property, three counts of stealing and one count of enter premises and commit offence.

He will appear in Rockhampton Childrens Court this morning.