Townsville youth crime: Group’s crime spree ends in dramatic capture in Currajong

Nine youths — some as young as 12 — have been charged after the stolen car they piled into was tracked down by the police chopper in Currajong after a string of attempted robberies.

Nine youths — some as young as 12 — have been charged after the stolen car they piled into was tracked down by the police chopper in Currajong after a string of attempted robberies.

Police allege teenagers in a stolen silver Isuzu MUX attempted to enter vehicles on Riverside Boulevard in Douglas and Iluka Street in Currajong about 5.40pm on Saturday.

The stolen Isuzu was tracked by PolAir before police intercepted the vehicle on Palara Street, Currajong near Otto’s Market, where nine teenagers were taken into custody.

Residents filmed the dramatic moment youths in the stolen car suddenly came screeching onto the nearby Maroong St and scrambled to jump out of the car while it was still moving.

Footage shows several of the youths tripping over themselves as they tried to made a run for it while the blaring sound of police sirens drew closer.

Police said the Isuzu MUX was reported stolen from a Douglas address on Friday, July 5.

Two 12-year-old boys, a 14-year-old girl, a 14-year-old boy, a 15-year-old girl and two 15-year-old boys were all charged with two counts of attempted robbery and one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

While a 15-year-old girl was charged with two counts of attempted robbery, one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, possessing dangerous drugs (cannabis), and possessing utensil for drug use.

A 15-year-old boy was charged with two counts of attempted robbery, one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and possessing dangerous drugs (cannabis).

They were remanded in custody and are due to appear before Townsville Children’s Court tomorrow, July 8.

Originally published as Townsville youth crime: Group’s crime spree ends in dramatic capture in Currajong