SES robbery: Wondai man, 22, charged with stealing rescue equipment, car during Wide Bay Burnett flood crisis
‘Extremely disappointing’: Police will allege a man stole a car and rescue property from an SES shed, in a dangerous move that prevented local SES personnel from responding to the flooding disaster in the South Burnett region.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Wondai man has been charged with stealing a car and rescue equipment from the Wondai SES facility as floodwaters rose over the Burnett region.
Police will allege that on January 8, the 22-year-old stole rescue equipment, electronics, tools and a Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD from the administration office and vehicle shed.
The Land Cruiser and its keys were found by members of the public on January 9 near a property on Black Street, Murgon.
The man was arrested and charged with break and enter following investigations led by detectives from the Darling Downs Criminal Investigation Branch (Murgon).
He was granted bail under strict conditions on Tuesday and is due to appear at the Murgon Magistrates Court on March 15.
Queensland Police said investigations are continuing, with many of the stolen items still outstanding.
Detective Sergeant Martin Hunter said the theft of this property meant local SES personnel were unable to join the response to the recent flooding disaster in the South Burnett region.
“This was an extremely disappointing incident given the recent flooding events in the Murgon and surrounding areas of Cherbourg, Goomeri, and Wondai, as the Wondai SES unit was unable to be deployed and assist the community in their time of need,” Detective Sergeant Hunter said.
“Each member of the community understands and appreciates the work of the SES, which are a volunteer-based organisation, especially during flash flooding incidents.
“The Queensland Police Service and other emergency responders rely on members of the SES in emergency situations when the primary focus is assisting members of the community to stay safe during severe weather events.”
Police urge anyone with information to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Teen charged over allegedly stolen, torched motorcycle
A 17-year-old Cherbourg boy has been charged following an armed robbery in Goomeri, where a Brisbane man’s motorbike was stolen and later found burnt.
Seconds leading up to skydivers’ grim mid-air collision revealed
The owner of the skydiving business at the heart of a high-speed mid-air collision of two parachuters has revealed details of the manoeuvre the pair was participating in leading up to the incident.