‘Puts a lot of people at risk’: Kid crims steal sprint star’s 400hp car

Townsville’s youth crime crisis has hit home for star sprinter Jake Doran, after a group of teens smashed their way into his house and stole his prized red 400-horsepower performance car.

Townsville star sprinter Jake Doran had his red 2018 Kia Stinger sedan stolen by youths during a break-in at Townsville City on May 8, 2025. This photo was taken when he became the 200M Sprint National Champion.

Townsville’s youth crime crisis has hit home for local star sprinter Jake Doran, after a group of teens smashed their way into his house and stole his prized red 400-horsepower performance car — a 2018 Kia Stinger sedan.

Mr Doran, an Oceania Athletics Championship gold medallist and 2022 Commonwealth Games representative, was jolted awake around 5.15am on Thursday by the sound of breaking glass.

“I assumed it was my dog knocking something over or something blowing over in the wind,” he said. “But then I remembered, obviously, this stuff happens.

“I’ve jumped out of bed and being relatively fast, I’ve sprinted as quick as I could to the door — through broken glass mind you — and seen them in my car already ready to drive off.”

The elite runner said his house sits on a no-through road, well away from the main street and up several flights of stairs.

Townsville star sprinter Jake Doran had his red 2018 Kia Stinger sedan stolen by youths during a break-in at Townsville City on May 8, 2025. Picture: Instagram/Jake Doran

“They’ve been pretty determined to get the car,” he said.

“They used a rock to smash a window within a deadlocked door to gain access to the house, grab my keys, and steal my Kia Stinger.

“It’s obviously a powerful car and puts a lot of people at risk — themselves included — so yeah, very unfortunate morning.”

Adding to the crime spree, the stolen Stinger has now been spotted driving in convoy with another stolen vehicle — a white 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan that was taken during a break-in at a South Townsville property on Sunday, May 4.

It will be alleged that around 4.10am that day, a group of people gained entry into a home on Sixth Street, stealing personal items and keys before fleeing in the Volkswagen.

A 16-year-old Kirwan boy was arrested a few hours later and charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and enter dwelling and commit.

He was remanded in custody to appear in the Townsville Children’s Court on June 24. Investigations into others involved are continuing.

The Tiguan was later linked to two other break-ins in North Ward and remains outstanding, with police confirming it was last seen in convoy with Mr Doran’s stolen Kia Stinger.

Mr Doran has urged the public to report any sightings but cautioned locals to stay safe.

“It’s a performance car, so please be safe around it while it’s being driven recklessly,” he said. “The car can reach close to 400hp and I doubt they know how to drive.”

Originally published as ‘Puts a lot of people at risk’: Kid crims steal sprint star’s 400hp car