Townsville teens hide under bed, in cupboard after 81-charge crime spree over Anzac Day long weekend

Three teens allegedly racked up 81 charges during an Anzac Day long weekend crime spree in Townsville before being found hiding under a bed and in a cupboard. WATCH VIDEO.

Three teens allegedly racked up 81 charges during an Anzac Day long weekend crime spree in Townsville before being found hiding under a bed and in a cupboard.

Police allege the trio — two 15-year-old boys and a 16-year-old — committed a series of property crimes including vehicle thefts, break-ins and a robbery across Mount Louisa, Idalia, Roslea, Mundingburra, Wulguru and South Townsville.

Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Caswell said the teenagers allegedly used a stolen car to steal a second vehicle — a Suzuki Swift — before travelling across the city in convoy committing further crimes.

“It will be alleged those two vehicles essentially travelled across town, committing numerous offences,” he said.

Police believe a fourth offender remains at large.

The first 15-year-old boy from Wulguru was charged with 32 offences, including unlawful entry, vehicle theft, and robbery.

A second 15-year-old boy from Cranbrook faced 25 charges, while the 16-year-old boy from Palm Island was charged with 24 offences.

Senior Sgt Caswell said it would be alleged that during a robbery there was some violence towards a female victim in her home.

“They’re heinous offences, entering someone’s home it’s dealt with complete seriousness, and yea it’s obviously far too many, “ he said.

“Any number of offences is troubling but the message to the public is that our commitment as the police is they will be held to account. We will lock them up. We will put them before the courts.”

The Tactical Crime Squad arrested the three boys at a Vincent address on Monday afternoon.

Body-worn camera footage of the arrests shows the teenagers being found hiding under a bed and inside a cupboard.

All three had their bail opposed and appeared in Townsville Children’s Court on Tuesday.

Police are requesting public assistance, particularly from anyone with CCTV footage that might help identify the remaining suspect.

Since Friday, 17 offenders have been charged with more than 120 offences in the Townsville area.

Senior Sgt Caswell said police were also investigating a vehicle theft and pursuit involving a stolen car from the Burdekin area.

He said the vehicle travelled to Ingham, where it allegedly attempted to ram a police vehicle before returning towards Townsville.

Townsville Technical Crime Squad deployed a tire deflation device to intercept the vehicle. Two people were in custody, though no specific charges have been laid regarding the attempted ramming.

Originally published as Townsville teens hide under bed, in cupboard after 81-charge crime spree over Anzac Day long weekend