Arrows, hatchet, knives: Series of alleged teen nightmare home invasions rock community

The mayor is set hold a town square meeting after six teenagers were charged following series of shocking home invasions and weapons seizures.

File photo: In April 2024 a young Aboriginal boy armed himself with a rock and a length of wood before walking towards other boys playing in the street in Aurukun, a small Indigenous town on the Gulf of Carpentaria, 800 kilometres north northwest of Cairns on Cape York in Far North Queensland. FILE PHOTO Picture: Brendan Radke

Six teenagers will face court after an alleged series of shocking home invasions with knives, crossbows and hatchets.

The alleged incidents occurred in Aurukun, 820 kilometres north west of Cairns.

Shaken up by the alleged invasions, the town’s mayor Barbara Bandicootcha is expected to give a town square address regarding the incident in the coming days.

The motive of the alleged invasions is not yet known, although none of six teenagers aged between 14 and 19 have been charged with any theft, burglary or robbery offences.

The first alleged incident happened before nightfall on Sunday, May 12, when police were

called to Pikkuw Street following reports of a disturbance around 5.30pm.

An man rides his bike along the street in Aurukun, a small Indigenous town located on the Gulf of Carpentaria, 800 kilometres north northwest of Cairns on Cape York in Far North Queensland. Picture: Brendan Radke

Four Aurukun boys aged between 14 and 16 were charged with multiple offences, including affray, going armed so as to cause fear, dangerous conduct with weapon, commit public nuisance, attempted enter dwelling, unlawful assembly, and enter premises and commit indictable offence.

It is alleged that later in that night on May 12, other teen males unlawfully entered multiple properties on Kleidon Drive and Kang Kang Road.

A 15-year-old Aurukun boy was charged with four counts of enter dwelling with intent at night, three counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence, and one count each of enter dwelling and commit and unlawful assembly.

A 19-year-old Aurukun man was charged with four counts of attempted enter dwelling at night, three counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence, and one count of enter dwelling and commit.

As a result, police have seized seven weapons including four bow and arrow sets, two knives, and a hatchet over the weekend.

Barbara Bandicootcha, the mayor of Aurukun, is expected to hold a town meeting to discuss the alleged incidents.

“Police are continuing to utilise a range of strategies to enhance community safety and reduce crime in Aurukun” a police spokeswoman said.

“Officers are working with community leaders and partner agencies to seek resolutions to ongoing challenges in the community.

“Investigations are continuing, anyone with information is urged to come forward.”

Originally published as Arrows, hatchet, knives: Series of alleged teen nightmare home invasions rock community