Townsville crime: Five teens charged over cancer survivor’s stolen ‘dream car’
A pensioner and cancer survivor were left fuming after videos emerged of the teens who police allege stole their brand new “dream car” before they were arrested hiding in bushland.
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A pensioner and cancer survivor were left fuming after videos emerged of the teens who police allege stole their brand new “dream car” before they were arrested hiding in bushland.
A retired couple in their 70s — who the Bulletin can not name for legal reasons — woke up to find their brand new 2022 Mazda BT-50 ute had been stolen after their home was broken into on Sunday morning.
They had just purchased the $70,000 “dream car” with plans of travelling in retirement.
Police located the ute abandoned on Riverway Dr, Townsville after police deployed a tyre deflation device and they located five youths hiding in bushland at 3.30am on Monday.
The woman said she felt “violated” knowing someone had been in her house while she slept.
She said the intruders also took her phone, and through iCloud, she later found videos seemingly taken from inside their stolen car.
“I started shaking when the shock finally settled in — I felt sick,” she said.
“My husband is also in remission from cancer. This is the last thing we need.
“You work all your life to buy your dream car. It’s just not fair.
“We’ve paid our taxes, and they just run around taking people’s things.”
A 13-year-old Belvedere boy was charged with one count each of unlawful use of motor vehicle, enter dwelling and commit indictable offence, and receiving tainted property, and two counts of stealing.
A 14-year-old Douglas boy was charged with unlawful use of motor vehicle.
A 14-year-old Belvedere boy was charged with one count each of unlawful use of motor vehicle and possess drug utensils.
A 15-year-old East Innisfail boy was charged with unlawful use of motor vehicle.
A 16-year-old Atherton boy was charged with one count each of unlawful use of motor vehicle and possess knife in public place.
All boys have had their bail refused and will appear in the Townsville Children’s Court at a later date.
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Originally published as Townsville crime: Five teens charged over cancer survivor’s stolen ‘dream car’
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