Southern Downs police battle spate of serious offences in past week

The Southern Downs has recorded a spate of serious offences in the past week. From hunting down armed felons, thefts, drink drivers and a hit and run, see the crimes that have kept police across the region on their toes.

A number of offences have targeted Stanthorpe and its neighbouring areas this past week, with police now seeking assistance from the public for a hit and run and other serious offences.

Hunt for armed felons

Wednesday, August 30 saw Stanthorpe and Wallangarra police join forces, patrolling the New England Highway after receiving a report from NSW Police of two Toowoomba men, a 34-year-old and 29-year-old, who were travelling north through Jennings, NSW in a suspected stolen vehicle while allegedly in possession of a firearm.

The alleged stolen vehicle has been linked to a number of property offences occurring around South East Queensland since mid-August, with police suspecting the possibility of a link to similar crimes in NSW.

The two men are now in police custody, with the alleged weapon remaining outstanding.

Stanthorpe and Wallangarra police banded together to hunt down two Qld felons.

Theft

Overnight on August 29, a building on Victoria St, in Warwick, was accessed during the night with part of a system of security camera were stolen along with several other items.

Police are reviewing local CCTV as a part of their investigations.

Car thefts

On Friday, September 1 a 2010 silver Ford Mondeo was reported stolen from a Pike St address between the hours of 1.30pm to 8am Saturday morning.

Police investigations found the vehicle had been left in an open garage with keys in the ignition overnight, with the vehicle since located in Tamworth, NSW.

Police are now seeking any further assistance and information about this crime, which can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.

On Sunday, September 3 another vehicle was reported stolen from a Sangricoli Court home, the grey 2006 Mazda 6 was later located by its owner.

Police are continuing their investigations with forensic evidence providing positive leads to progress the matter.

A bundle of traffic offences and thefts occurred in Stanthorpe last week.

Stolen jewellery

A bizarre crime has seen a 27-year-old Greenlands woman now assisting police with their inquiries after Stanthorpe Jewellers reported a quantity of the products were stolen over a six month period before they were subsequently returned to the store.

Assault

Police have been made aware of a report of a 19-year-old Warwick woman who was assaulted by another person on Victoria Street in Warwick, before the suspect fled the scene in August.

This matter is under investigation by police.

Traffic offences

Saturday, September 2 saw a 28-year-old Broadwater man and a 26-year-old Stanthorpe man intercepted by police after 8pm on the New England Highway.

The 28-year-old Broadwater man was charged with drink driving and disqualified driving, with the 26-year-old Stanthorpe man charged with driving on a suspended licence, driving without due care and attending and returning a blood alcohol concentration reading of 0.072.

Also occurring on Saturday evening, a hit and run traffic crash was reported to police after an unknown vehicle lost control and smashed through the fence of a Church Rd, The Summit address at around 9pm.

Police are now seeking public assistance with their investigations into this incident.

— At 4.45pm on September 1, a 31-year-old Keperra male was intercepted driving on Wood Street, Warwick and subjected to a saliva test. As a result, he was issued with a Notice To Appear for Drug Driving and will appear in Warwick Magistrates Court in the coming weeks.

— Sunday, September 3, two women were issued Infringement Notices for Public Nuisance after the vehicle they were travelling in was intercepted by police in a residential area of Locke Street, Warwick for traffic related matters.

An 18-year-old Allora woman and a 34-year-old Warwick woman continually yelled and swore at police despite being warned about their behaviour and were issued with the $464 Notices.

— At about 1.30am on Monday morning, a 25-year-old Warwick woman was intercepted driving on Wood Street, Warwick.

Checks showed that she had been disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence. She was subsequently issued with a Notice to Appear and will appear in the Warwick Magistrates Court this month.