Warwick crime spike: Car thieves strike again as break-in, theft numbers soar

A Warwick resident who tried to chase down his own stolen vehicle overnight was the latest victim in the spate of break-ins sweeping the town, with police also arresting a man allegedly busted carrying meth. FULL DETAILS HERE:

Car thieves have struck yet again in Warwick overnight as police work to kerb the latest spike in break-ins and property-related crime.

Offenders forced their way into an Ogilvie Rd home between 10.30pm Monday and 2.15am Tuesday, snatching up the keys to a Ford Falcon sedan parked outside.

Warwick police acting officer-in-charge Sergeant Cameron Slater said the thieves then fled the scene in the vehicle, with the noise waking up the owner and alerting him to the break-in.

“He’s got into (another) car and tried to follow it, and he then saw a patrolling police vehicle, so he stopped the police and told them his car was stolen,” he said.

The car was soon dumped on a nature strip on Dragon St and discovered a short while later.

Sergeant Slater said the stolen vehicle sustained minor damage during the incident.

“There were two young people located a short distance away, but there is nothing at this stage to link them to it,” he said.

Investigations are ongoing and no charges have been laid at this stage.

This latest strike comes as police are still searching for the culprits behind a string of break-ins at Warwick homes and businesses reported within the past several weeks.

Four Warwick men were then charged earlier this week with a staggering 88 offences over a series of unrelated thefts at rural properties across Warwick and the surrounding towns, with the group alleged to have stolen firearms, vehicles, and been involved in meth-related crimes.

Another Warwick resident is due to face court later this month after he was allegedly nabbed carrying drugs and utensils while walking through the town’s CBD.

Sergeant Slater said the 29-year-old was known to police prior to being stopped and searched by officers on Grafton St.

“A search of his person located a small quantity of meth, a used syringe, and some clothing and household items that had been stolen from the local Kmart,” he said.

The Warwick man has been charged with stealing, possessing dangerous drugs, and failing to dispose of a syringe.

He is expected to appear in Warwick Magistrates Court on July 25.

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