Cairns crime victim speaks out about impact of break-in

A woman who had her prized car, which was bequeathed to her by her late partner, stolen during a crime spree by a gang of teens says she is now scared to live in her own home.

Maureen’s car was stolen in the middle of the night from her Cairns North unit.

The Cairns victim of a crime spree by a gang of teens that left her traumatised and terrified fears she “would probably be dead” if she had woken up during the break-in.

Five children aged between 14 and 16 used garden secateurs to open the door of Maureen’s Cairns North unit on June 26.

Once inside they made off with a handbag, wallet and car keys to the 77-year-old’s prized vehicle that was bequeathed to her by her late partner Rick.

Police allege the children used the retired court stenographer’s Toyota Yaris to drive to the Mobil servo in Brinsmead where they smashed their way inside and stole cigarettes.

Two Bungalow car dealerships were also targeted and significant damage caused.

Maureen, who did not want to share her surname, shared her distress and feelings of being violated in her own home because she said it was important to document the suffering behind the Queensland crime crisis.

“Rick bequeathed money to buy that car and it was a great monument. To have that memory taken, the anguish is doubled,” she said.

“I have worked for 50 years and do volunteer work in the community, which I love, but it’s just not fair.”

Between January and May this year car stealing offences jumped 8.3 per cent on 2024 numbers to a remarkable total of 642 charges in five months, according to the latest crime figures.

Unlawful entry and grievous bodily harm also increased and robbery offences exploded by 27.3 per cent.

So far this year 372 vehicles have been stolen in Cairns.

After allegedly stealing the Yaris, youths smashed their way into the Mobil servo in Brinsmead.

Maureen who is well-known for selling race fashion wear at the Port Douglas markets praised police investigating the break-in.

Her wallet was dumped on Lake St and later handed into police which went some way to restoring her faith in humanity.

But living alone, her greatest fear is if the kids come back and she disturbs them during an invasion of her property.

“If I had woken up I would probably be dead. The answer is let them have what they want,” she said.

“And they know that.

“I’m scared to live in my own home and why should we live in a fortress.”

During the two-week rampage the five kids allegedly responsible for breaking into the unit racked up more than 40 charges.

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Originally published as Cairns crime victim speaks out about impact of break-in