Police have charged a man after he was locked inside a vehicle he was allegedly trying to steal.
Police were called to Spinnaker Drive, Mount Coolum around 5pm on Sunday, July 21, after the owner of a BMW X3 noticed an unknown person inside their car.
The owner locked the car to contain the unknown person, until police arrived.
While inside the vehicle, the man allegedly damaged the driver's side windows and door.
Police attended and arrested the 21-year-old Mount Coolum man, with a subsequent search of him allegedly locating drugs.
The man has been charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs, and one count each of enter premises and commit indictable offence, possess utensils or pipes that had been used, and trespass - unlawfully enter or remain in dwelling or yard.
He is due to appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on August 5.
Sergeant Joel Bryant from Coolum Beach Police said this is an example of the community and police working together.
"I applaud the car owner's quick thinking to lock the vehicle to keep the man contained, rather than confronting the man himself," Sergeant Bryant said.
"It may not be safe to approach an offender yourself, so we encourage you to always call police instead.
"The car that the man allegedly gained entry to was unlocked, which is an important to reminder to always lock your vehicles, even when they're parked in your driveway or insight.
"Opportunistic thieves target unlocked cars. Don't make it easy for them. Please lock your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight.
"We also encourage you to install CCTV cameras, not only as a deterrent to opportunistic thieves but it also provides police with invaluable evidence for investigations.
"Your CCTV may be critical evidence to solve a crime in our community."
If you have CCTV at your business or residence, please register this with the community camera alliance – https://www.police.qld.gov.au/safety-and-preventing-crime/community-camera-alliance
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
