Townsville police charge five teens after 11 cars stolen in three days

Police have charged five teenage boys after 11 cars were allegedly stolen in three days — with some yet to be recovered.

Five teenage boys have been charged after 11 cars were allegedly stolen across Townsville in three days.

Townsville Police Acting Superintendent Dean Cavanagh said the vehicles were reported stolen between 6am Sunday, September 18 and 1pm Tuesday, September 20.

“Of the 11 vehicles that have been reported stolen in the above time period, five remain outstanding,” Acting Superintendent Cavanagh said.

Stolen vehicle burning rubber at a Townsville intersection earlier this year. Picture: Supplied.

Five teenage boys were arrested on Tuesday morning and charged with 13 property crime offences, according to a statement released by Queensland Police Service.

“At approximately 8.15am on Monday, September 20 police received information that five boys were observed walking away from a stolen car on Blue Lake Ct, Kirwan,” QPS said.

“Police conducted patrols in the area and located five boys walking on Golf Links Drive. “Police searched the boys and located stolen vehicle keys.”

Police will allege around 5am on September 19, a grey Hyundai was stolen from a Saxon Street address.

A 15-year-old Thuringowa boy was charged with unlawful possession of a motor vehicle and possession of tainted property.

He is due to appear in the Townsville Childrens Court on September 23.

A 13-year-old Thuringowa boy was charged with unlawful possession of a motor vehicle.

He is due to appear in the Townsville Childrens Court on September 20.

A 14-year-old Thuringowa boy charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, assault occasioning bodily harm, stealing and three counts of wilful damage was dealt with under the Youth Justices Act.

Mount Louisa woman Rylie Hansen, 22, woke up to find her car had been stolen and set on fire on Friday, July 29.

A 14-year-old Mount Louisa boy was charged with burglary and committing an indictable offence and unlawful use of motor vehicle was dealt with under the Youth Justices Act.

A 15-year-old Kirwan boy was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle was also dealt with under the Youth Justices Act.

Acting Superintendent Cavanagh said another juvenile was arrested overnight on Wednesday and charged with four property-related offences.

Stolen vehicles were being driven recklessly around Townsville earlier this year.

He said local police were focusing all necessary resources and efforts to disrupt and prevent criminal activity, including property crime offences, to ensure the safety of the community and place offenders before the courts.

“Townsville police are regularly conducting proactive and intelligence-driven patrols throughout the district and surrounding areas,” he said.

“It is believed the majority of property offences are being committed by a small group of recidivist offenders, with police actively working to apprehend those responsible.”

At least two further vehicles were reported stolen to police early in the morning of Wednesday, September 21.

Two cars were reported stolen from Kirwan, with a Volkswagen Golf reported missing at 5.40pm following a burglary and a Kia Serrato reportedly stolen at 6.40am.

Both vehicles are currently still outstanding and being investigated by police.

Originally published as Townsville police charge five teens after 11 cars stolen in three days