Qld floods: Suspected looters arrest in police operation

Four people have been charged after the first night of a police operation targeting looting of South East Queensland flood victims. SEE VIDEO

Four people have been charged with looting flood-hit South East Queensland homes and businesses.

After a warning from Police Minister Mark Ryan yesterday that looting vulnerable flood victims would not be tolerated, police launched Operation Uniform Nash overnight, targeting suburbs from Maryborough to the Gold Coast.

In Brisbane, a 30-year-old Rocklea man was charged after being intercepted with a trailer and vehicle full of wheels and tyres.

The items had allegedly been taken from outside a flood-affected business.

The accused was expected to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on March 31.

Police also intercepted a vehicle with three occupants at Woolloongabba in Brisbane’s east about 1am today.

The three had allegedly attended several properties impacted by flooding where they allegedly collected items.

Police also alleged a small quantity of drugs was found during the search of the vehicle, as well as syringes and ammunition.

A Mount Gravatt man, 50, was charged with stealing by looting in a natural disaster and possessing explosives, that being the ammunition that was found in the search.

A 50-year-old Wishart man and 44-year-old St Lucia woman were each charged with stealing by looting in a natural disaster and possessing dangerous drugs. The woman was further charged with failing to dispose of syringes.

The three are expected to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on May 18.

Police have warned that as part of Operation Uniform Nash that anyone charged with stealing by looting could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Twenty-four-hour patrols will be conducted by police officers and will target all suburbs that have been impacted by flooding.

Residents can contact Policelink on 131 444 if they have anything suspicious to report.