Two Calamvale men arrested over Australia flag thefts

Two men have been arrested over the theft of six Australia flags from outside a Brisbane City Councillor’s office. They are expected to face court this month.

Australian flag outside Brisbane City Councillor Angela Owen's Calamvale office. Pictured: Cr Owen and veterans, including Harry Claassen.

Two men accused of stealing six Australian flags from outside the office of a Brisbane City Councillor have been arrested by police.

The Calamvale men, one aged 30 and the other 26, have been issued with notices to appear in court in relation to the alleged stealing offences.

The arrests come after police investigated the missing flags that were located outside Cr Angela Owen’s ward office in the Central Park shopping centre on Algester Rd, Calamvale.

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Brisbane City Councillor Angela Owen (Calamvale ward) with a new flag.

Police dusted for fingerprints after the multiple thefts and subsequently executed a search warrant this week, finding the missing flags.

Cr Owen spoke to the Southern Star in May, after the third flag theft, expressing their upset about the incident and praying police would find the people responsible.

This week, Cr Angela Owen told the Southern Star she was grateful for the efforts of local police and the safe return of the flags.

Brisbane City Councillor Angela Owen (Calamvale ward) snapped this photo of the flag pole ropes cut.

“I am appreciative of the efforts of local police to ensure these flags have been returned to fly in a position of pride and recognition in our local community” Cr Owen said.

“The flying of the Australian national flag is in recognition of all who have served and continue to serve for our freedom and democracy.

The fingerprinted flagpole outside Brisbane City Councillor Angela Owen's Calamvale office.

“I reiterate my previous resolve that I will not be deterred from flying our Nation’s flag as a mark of respect for all who have served and continue to serve under it.

“With Australian national flag Day coming up on (September 3), recognising 118 years since it was first flown, I can assure residents this Australian flag will certainly continue to fly on the flagpole in front of my office.”

Sunnybank RSL veteran Harry Claassen told the Southern Star today that the Australian flag should always be respected.

“It was disrespectful to all the citizens the country,” he said of the thefts.

Mr Claassen thanked the police for their great investigative work.