Warwick boy, 14, charged over string of burglaries as crime wave escalates

A teenager who allegedly broke into two Warwick homes within hours of one another will soon face court, with police still hunting down those behind a shocking spate of crime rapidly escalating across town.

A Warwick teenager has been charged over a string of burglaries across town as seemingly relentless car thieves continue to strike in an escalating crime wave.

Police say the 14-year-old was one of a group that broke into a Pratten St home between 2am and 3am on Monday, where they were looking through the property when interrupted by one of the occupants.

It will be alleged the teenager picked up a wallet and ran from the house.

Warwick Police acting officer-in-charge Sergeant Cameron Slater said the teenager and his suspected co-offenders targeted a Hudson St home that same night, stealing items including a bicycle.

It will be alleged the 14-year-old was also involved in a break-in at the Warwick Golf Club on January 26.

He faces three charges of entering premises and one each of burglary, stealing, and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

He is due to appear in Warwick Children’s Court on March 1.

The reported break-ins brought to an end another wild weekend of crime in Warwick, with several cars being stolen from properties and found dumped hours away.

Sergeant Slater said a Holden Barina was taken from a Cunningham St home between 1pm and 5pm on Sunday, and was found abandoned but undamaged near Nobby close to 24 hours later.

“Her vehicle had been parked on the street in front of her house. The vehicle was unlocked,” he said.

The theft came only days after a 2011 Holden Colorado ute was stolen from a Sandy Creek Rd home on Friday night, with offenders reportedly taking advantage of keys being left inside the vehicle.

“Someone from the address saw the ute being driven out at that time,” Sergeant Slater said.

“That vehicle was then located on Sunday afternoon on an address at Cecil Plains Rd at St Ruth, near Dalby.”

Warwick East State School was the latest public facility to be vandalised over the weekend, with offenders breaking into an outdoor storeroom and emptying a fire extinguisher across the floor and under the neighbouring classroom building.

No one has been charged in relation to these remaining offenders at this stage.

This spate of destructive offences is only the latest to sweep the Warwick community in recent weeks.

Four break-ins and car thefts were reported within one 24-hour period alone last week, and another Warwick teenager was charged with a string of indecent acts and burglary offences.

Sergeant Slater said police had increased patrols across Warwick, but were still relying on residents reporting any crime or suspicious activity they encounter.

“We really appreciate anything that comes through, and we can then put offenders before the court if need be,” he said.

Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Warwick Police on 4660 4444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.