South Burnett crime spree: Knifepoint robbery, violent assault, stolen cars send shockwaves through region
From a frightening armed robbery to constant break-ins and car thefts across the region, these are the most shocking crimes to take place in the South Burnett in recent weeks:
Police & Courts
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From a couple robbed at knifepoint to a string of break and enters and car thefts, the South Burnett community has been smashed by an escalating crime wave across the region.
More than 15 people have already been slapped with 75 charges as a major police operation lead by Murgon officer-in-charge Sergeant Brett Everest came to a close last week.
Darling Downs District Superintendent Danny Shaw said while this phase of Operation Viper came to a close, police would “continue to target property crime in South Burnett” and called on the community to help police by reporting theft and suspicious activity.
“Our message to those doing the wrong thing is we will catch up with you and when we do, you will face the consequences of your actions,” Superintendent Shaw said.
Couple robbed at knifepoint
Elaine and Paul Marjoram became the latest victims of the shocking crime wave when an intruder armed with a knife broke into their home and demanded their car keys.
The intruder took the keys, and Mrs Marjoram’s phone and wallet and attempted to drive off in their car, however he was unable to figure out the steering wheel lock.
Acting Kingaroy officer-in-charge Sean Relf said the man behind the robbery has not been found, but is believed to have stolen another car from a nearby Kingaroy home, which he quickly abandoned before stealing a car from third property.
Police say this car was used to steal petrol from a Kingaroy service station and then driven to Cherbourg, where it was found by police.
Investigations involving police from the Kingaroy CIB and Murgon police are ongoing.
Police officer targeted by car thieves
Detective Sergeant Scott Prendergast and his family were left shaken after a group of men showed up to their home and stole their car, leaving them victim to the very people he’d been working to catch.
Sergeant Prendergast said he went to investigate after hearing voices and noises coming from outside, only to witness the alleged offenders driving off with his wife’s car.
Sergeant Prendergast said it was the first time in his policing career he’d been the victim of a crime.
A 20-year-old Cherbourg man was arrested last Thursday morning after allegedly attempting to escape police by scaling backyard fences, before being tackled, handcuffed, and hit with dozens of property, drug and driving charges.
He appeared in Kingaroy Magistrates Court on February 18 and his matter was adjourned until April 12.
Woman assaulted, robbed in driveway
Police claim the woman was standing in her driveway when she was approached by the 16-year-old just before 11pm on February 9.
Kingaroy Police acting officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Sean Relf said the teenager punched the woman in the face, causing her nose to bleed, and grabbed her handbag.
Police will allege the boy also committed a string of offences across towns in the Burnett and Gympie regions between February 6 and 10, including breaking into numerous businesses and homes, and stealing fuel, money, and multiple cars.
The boy was released on bail and is due to appear in Murgon Children’s Court in the near future.
Car thefts, break-ins, drugs
The 51-year-old man’s home was searched after he allegedly made threats to hurt police officers, resulting in him being arrested and charged with a string of drug and weapon possession charges.
Two teenagers, aged 15 and 17, were hit with a stack of property charges for alleged break-ins, stolen cars, burglary, wilful damage and stealing.
The 17-year-old remains in custody while the 15-year-old is due to face Murgon Children’s Court at a later date.
A Taabinga man attracted police attention for driving while using a mobile phone, resulting in a subsequent search and the alleged discovery of a cache of five knives in the car, including two hatchets and a machete.
Officers also arrested a Cherbourg man spotted in the passenger seat of a stolen car that evaded police at Murgon, which was later linked to a break-in at a Murgon business and attempted break-in at a Tingoora business.
He was charged with the unlawful use of a motor vehicle, attempting to enter a premises to commit an indictable offence, entering a premises to commit an indictable offence and possessing dangerous drugs.
What you can do:
In response to the recent spate of thefts Murgon police have urged residents to “lock up”, since most thefts and break-ins are opportunistic.
Always remember to:
- Lock your car, including the boot and sunroof, and remember to fully close all windows
- Keep your keys out of sight and never leave vehicle keys lying around on tables, benches, bedside tables or key hooks
- Remove keys from the ignition and lock your vehicle if parked or unattended, even if it’s only for a minute
- Never hide spare keys on or in the vehicle – thieves know where to look
- Remove all valuables and personal items when leaving your car unattended, or ensure they are out of sight
- Take your vehicle keys with you whenever you are going out, even if you are leaving your vehicle at home
- When parking in a garage, ensure both the garage and vehicle are locked and the garage door remotes are secured
- Avoid marking your keys with your personal or vehicle details such as name, phone number or vehicle registration.
Anyone with information relevant to any of the reported incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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