Townsville: Police hunt ‘recidivist offenders’ after 12 cars stolen since Monday

UPDATE: Three youths and three adults have been charged as cops continue to hunt those allegedly responsible for a string of car thefts across the city, including one that ended in a hit-run near a school.

UPDATE: Three youths and three adults have been charged as cops continue to hunt those allegedly responsible for a string of car thefts across the city, including one that ended in a hit-run near a school.

Police said 12 cars were reported stolen between 6am on Monday and 6pm on Wednesday, with one reportedly involved in a hit-run near a high school and five still outstanding.

Acting Superintendent Dean Cavanagh said police are aware of a small number of “recidivist offenders” currently active in Townsville, who are responsible for a majority of these offences.

He said six people, including three adults and three juveniles, have been charged with 23 offences since Monday as a result of police’s ongoing strategies to locate stolen cars and apprehend people accused of property crime offences.

Acting Superintendent Dean Cavanagh.

He said another two juveniles were arrested on Thursday and are assisting police with their inquiries.

It comes after police found a Toyota Corolla stolen from South Townsville found crashed and burnt-out in Idalia early on Wednesday morning.

Acting Senior Sergeant Jayson Cooke said police had yet to make arrests in regards to that vehicle but were calling on the public to come forward with information.

“The vehicle was stolen from an address overnight in South Townsville, and upon arrival, it was found having hit a light pole,” he said.

A car was found burnt-out in Idalia on Wednesday morning.

“There was only minor damage, Ergon Energy attended to rectify that.

“Police are currently investigating the matter and are appealing to any person in the area with information or footage to contact us.”

Two other vehicles stolen on the same day have also been located, with a Kia Cerato stolen from Douglas found in Aitkenvale and a Mazda stolen from Douglas found abandoned in Cranbrook.

At least one Townsville resident reported a close encounter with the stolen Mazda, posting on social media that they’d been cut off by the vehicle going through a roundabout near Heatley High School, causing the crash.

A Suzuki Swift stolen from Townsville City and a Mazda stolen from Cranbrook during the same period are both still being sought.

Originally published as Townsville: Police hunt ‘recidivist offenders’ after 12 cars stolen since Monday