Nineteen Sunshine Coast teens arrested in month-long police effort

More than 225 charges have been laid by police targeting our youngest alleged criminals on the Sunshine Coast with a 14-year-old Baringa girl and a 15-year-old Nambour boy among the most prolific alleged offenders. SEE THE VIDEO

Nineteen young alleged offenders will face court after they were arrested and accused of property offending following a month-long police operation on the Sunshine Coast.

The Child Protection Investigation Unit launched Operation Cornmeal in early September to identify, arrest and charge teens after receiving multiple reports of break-ins and stolen cars in August and September this year.

Since the launch, police have arrested 19 young people aged between 13-17 and charged them with a total of 225 offences including common assault, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing, burglary, trespass, wilful damage and obstruct police.

Sunshine Coast teens were arrested in the month of September as part of Operation Cornmeal. Photo: Queensland Police

This includes a 14-year-old Baringa girl who has been charged with 44 offences, including burglary, stealing a car and dangerous operation of a vehicle, and a 15-year-old Nambour boy who has been charged with 17 offences including stealing a car and entering premises to commit an offence.

The two alleged offenders are listed to appear in Maroochydore Childrens Court on October 30 and October 23 respectively.

Sunshine Coast Detective Inspector Chris Toohey said police took reoffending youth seriously.

“Through Operation Cornmeal, we have shown the Sunshine Coast community that we’re committed to their safety and will take action against offenders,” Detective Inspector Toohey said.

Sunshine Coast teens were arrested in the month of September as part of Operation Cornmeal. Photo: Queensland Police

“Operation Cornmeal has resulted in a decrease in the amount of high-level offending which causes harm in our community.”

Detective Inspector Toohey thanked the Child Protection Investigation Unit for their dedication in arresting alleged offenders and support other young people on the Sunshine Coast who are at risk of repeat offending.

Sunshine Coast teens were arrested in the month of September as part of Operation Cornmeal. Photo: Queensland Police

“The new Sunshine Coast Youth Co-Responder Team have engaged with 13 of the 19 young people charged and through the Youth Engagement Hub, police and support staff will continue to work with the offenders, their families, friends and schools to break the cycle of repeat offending,” Detective Inspector Toohey said.

“We are committed to taking serious action against youth offenders, as shown through Operation Cornmeal, however the Hub will tackle youth crime from multiple other angles to ensure we have all bases covered and address the root causes of youth crime in a sustainable and holistic way.”