Police have charged five people with more than 70 offences relating to the alleged break and enter of 37 businesses including service stations, a stationery business, car yards and auto tool stores throughout the Gold Coast between November 10 and November 21, 2023.
Detectives from Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) West and Taskforce Latro North and South began investigations into the break ins forming Operation Victor Fowl to identify and target the group involved.
A total of 37 break ins were linked to a number of people who allegedly worked together to commit the offences which involved using stolen vehicles to gain entry to some of the premises.
It is also alleged implements were used in some of the offences to break glass doors to gain entry.
Police have charged:
- A 17-year-old Nerang man with 20 counts of enter and commit, three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, two counts each of arson and fraud and one count of attempted enter with intent. He is due to appear at Southport Childrens Court tomorrow, November 29.
- An 18-year-old Runaway Bay man has been charged with 17 counts of enter and commit, three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, two counts each of fraud, enter with intent and attempted enter with intent. He is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on December 18.
- A 16-year-old boy from Boonah has been charged with three counts of enter and commit and one count each of arson, fraud and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. He will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 1992.
- A 16-year-old boy from Loganlea has been charged with 22 offences, including 14 counts of enter premises and commit, three counts of unlawful use of motor vehicle, two counts each of arson and fraud, and one count of receiving tainted property and attempted enter premises and commit. He is due to appear at Southport Childrens Court tomorrow, November 29.
- A 21-year-old Nerang man received a notice to appear for receiving tainted property. He is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on December 13.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
Earlier: https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/news/2023/11/22/break-ins-at-service-stations-gold-coast/
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 or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
