Three children charged over South Burnett armed robbery

A massive police investigation spanning hundreds of kilometres has resulted in the arrest of six people, including three children, who are facing a total of 63 charges, and allegedly involving two armed robberies.

A 12-year-old boy is one of six people who have been charged with 63 offences after an “extensive investigation” was launched by police in the South Burnett.

The investigation was triggered by a series of property crime offences in Colinton on January 13, 2024 when a group of people entered a D’Aguilar Highway service station at 7pm.

A police statement released on Thursday alleges one of the males in the group threatened a worker with a knife before stealing a “quantity” of cash and cigarettes.

While no one was injured as a result of the hold-up, police allege the group left the scene in a MG ZS reported as stolen from Bardon two days prior to the incident.

On January 17, police located the stolen car at an Oxley fast-food outlet, where allegedly the driver reversed towards police during the arrest.

“A 24-year-old Algester man, a 12-year-old boy and 16-year-old boy, were taken into custody at the scene,” a police spokesperson said.

“It will be alleged the 12-year-old boy committed further property crime offences across the South Eastern, Brisbane and North Coast regions between December 30 and January 17.”

The child’s bail was refused on 17 charges including two counts of armed robbery in company, five counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing and he is expected to appear before Ipswich Children’s Court on January 18.

The 24-year-old man is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 18 after being refused bail on eight charges including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and obstruct police.

The 16-year-old boy was also refused bail on one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and two counts of receiving tainted property and is expected to appear before Richlands Children’s Court on January 18.

North Coast Regional Crime Coordinator Detective Superintendent Ben Fadian commented on the arrests which were part of a strategic and combined effort across several regions.

However, the arrests represented one half of the investigation, with a further three teenagers charged on January 16.

“Following further investigations … police located a 15-year-old girl and 17-year-old girl at Bracken Ridge and a 15-year-old boy at Ellengrove,” a spokesperson said.

“The 15-year-old girl and 17-year-old girl were charged with robbery in company and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, in relation to the Colinton incident.”

Both were refused bail and were expected to appear before Brisbane Children’s Court on January 17.

The 15-year-old boy was charged with 27 offences spanning the Colinton incident and further property crime offences across south east Queensland including two counts of armed robbery in company, three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and eight counts of attempted enter dwelling and commit.

Bail was refused on the charges and he is expected to appear before Brisbane Children’s Court on January 18.

It will be alleged by police that the 12-year-old child and the teenagers all played a part in the armed robbery at the Clinton service station.

North Coast Region, Regional Crime Co-ordinator Detective Superintendent Ben Fadian said the arrests represented a co-ordinated, strategic effort across police regions.

“Detectives from Brisbane Region, North Coast Region, Southern Region, South Eastern Region and Taskforce Guardian came together to efficiently and safely apprehend this group and I commend their commitment to hold alleged perpetrators to account and keep the community safe,” Detective Superintendent Fadian said.

“Police will continue to relentlessly pursue any persons who repeatedly commit offences and put the safety of the public at risk.”