Cherbourg mayor abhors teen carjacking rampage
Juveniles who allegedly terrorised the South Burnett community have been charged after an alleged three-day crime spree that left residents terrified and forced a school lockdown. See how it unfolded.
South Burnett
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Six teenagers who allegedly embarked on a car and petrol thieving spree over three days in the South Burnett have been charged and will face the Kingaroy Children’s Court and Murgon Magistrates Court.
The Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council have expressed their disgust and disappointment with the community.
Cherbourg State School went into lockdown on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning following concerns for student safety as the car ran rampant through the town.
It is alleged the group assaulted a 24 year old man and stole his phone, wallet and vehicle on Monday at 9pm.
The group allegedly proceeded to steal fuel from a service station on Youngman St, Kingaroy.
A Police Media spokeswoman said the vehicle was seen by members of the public and police throughout Tuesday in Cherbourg and Murgon including a second fuel drive off at a Murgon service station at 12pm.
“Around 2.45pm the vehicle was repeatedly sighted travelling in the vicinity of a Cherbourg school,” she said.
“At 4.15pm the vehicle crashed on Barkers Creek Road at Booie and five occupants ran from the scene.”
About 6.30pm Tuesday two teenage boys were walking in the rain and a woman stopped on Nanango Goomeri Rd to assist.
When the woman got out of her vehicle, the boys drove off in her Mitsubishi Pajero.
She was not physically injured.
A Police Media spokeswoman said investigations were ongoing.
“Investigators would like to thank the South Burnett community who reported sightings of the stolen vehicle to police,” she said.
A Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council spokesman said Mayor Elvie Sandow, fellow councillors and management shared the community’s frustration at the events.
“We share our community’s frustration and disgust at those who are endangering the lives of not just themselves and their friends, but our Gundoo, elders, uncles and aunties who live here,” he said.
“You are not a hero or clever, stealing cars, speeding and skidding through our streets.
“Think about what you are doing, all reckless and stupid … we are not cheering you on.
“You are giving our Cherbourg community a bad name and reputation.”
A 14-year-old Acacia Ridge girl and a 16-year-old Cherbourg girl were found by police and have both been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
They will appear before Kingaroy Children’s Court.
Four teenage boys have subsequently been located and taken into custody.
An 18-year-old Murgon man has been charged with two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and fail to properly dispose of needle.
He is expected to appear in Murgon Magistrates Court on December 20.
A 16-year-old Cherbourg boy has been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
An 11-year-old Murgon boy has been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and receiving tainted property.
A 15-year-old Cherbourg boy has been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and enter premise and commit indictable offence by break.
The three boys and will appear before Murgon Children’s Court.
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