Police arrest three men after alleged ‘brazen’ thefts

A Rockhampton detective has warned the males who allegedly assaulted a 68-year-old woman in the Stockland Shopping Centre car park on Monday: ‘we will find you’, as police appeal for more information.

A Rockhampton detective has warned the men who allegedly robbed a 68-year-old woman in the Stockland Shopping Centre car park on Monday: “we will find you”.

Police are appealing for any CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage of the alleged theft near Kmart at Stockland about on October 28. They are also appealing for any information about a white BMW with the number plate 503VAO that the men are believed to have been travelling in.

Detective Acting Inspector Luke Peachey described the alleged perpetrators as not fit for society.

He said a group of men allegedly snatched the handbag off the woman, causing minor injuries.

Police also allege the car was stolen.

“Pleasingly, our Tactical Crime Squad (TCS) took into custody three males,” Detective Acting Inspector Peachey said.

“All three males are currently assisting police with a range of property offences that have been committed over the past three days.

“These males are 19, 19 and 18 and we believe will be charged with numerous offences, including unlawful uses of motor vehicles, break and enters, too, and also robbery.”

He said TCS arrested them at a Musgrave Street address early Tuesday morning.

The 68-year-old woman received injuries to her hand and head after the attack.

Police allege the group are linked to a number of other property offences in Yeppoon and Rockhampton area between October 27 and 28, with one alleged offender being charged with at least 15 offences.

However, police believe that there is at least one additional alleged offender.

Detective Acting Inspector Peachey described the offending as “very brazen”.
“The fact that they are all repeat offenders just goes to show what they consider of the law, and obviously we have our own reservations about them,” he said.

“At the moment, we don’t think they are fit people to be in society and we will be objecting to their bail to make sure that they answer to their offences.

“If you are one of these people who are committing these offences, we will find you and we will put you before the courts.
“We are currently seeking assistance from the public in regards to anyone who has CCTV footage, dash-cam footage or even mobile footage.”

If anyone has information for police, they are encouraged to contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form which is available 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

People can also report crime information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Police ask that people quote this reference number: QP2401848748.

Originally published as Police arrest three men after alleged ‘brazen’ thefts