Police have launched a preventative operation to combat property crime and protect homes and businesses in flood affected areas.
Operation Uniform Nash aims to prevent, disrupt and investigate incidents of looting and property crime offences across all areas impacted by flooding from Maryborough to the Gold Coast.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) will draw resources from across the state, including general duties, plain clothes, railway squad, dog squad and specialist police officers.
Around the clock local patrols have already commenced in flood zone areas and will include the use of resources from both the Water Police and POLAIR.
The focus will be deterring and detecting would-be thieves through increased patrols, surveillance, and intelligence provided from members of the public.
The operation follows several incidents of looting activity reported to police in Ipswich.
Ipswich Police charged a man yesterday following an alleged stealing incident in Goodna and are investigating two other reports of theft from flooded properties in Bundamba and Blackstone.
Police observed a man paddling a kayak through flood waters on Brisbane Road, carrying a large amount of bait and tackle around 3pm on Monday.
The 22-year-old Goodna man allegedly broke into the freezer of a Brisbane Road convenience store before stealing several items.
He was charged with one count of enter premise and commit indictable offence and is expected to appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court on March 21.
A flooded charity store on Coal Street in Bundamba was broken into after 6pm on Monday night, where items of jewellery and a small amount of donated cash were taken.
In Blackstone, a resident who had evacuated returned on Monday morning to find their Thomas Street property had been broken into, with a door damaged and several items of value stolen.
Police are appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious in those areas, or has information, to come forward as investigations continue.
Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the Queensland Police had zero tolerance for stealing, particularly in times of disaster.
"I cannot overstate how disappointed and disgusted I am that this has occurred in areas where people have had to leave their houses," Commissioner Katarina Carroll said.
"Through this operation, we will ensure there is a strong police presence in flood affected areas to protect our community against heartless thieves.
"Our message to anyone thinking about stealing from homes or businesses is that you can expect police to track you down and ensure you are held responsible for your actions."
Anyone who observes suspicious behaviour surrounding flooded properties, is urged to immediately contact Policelink on 131 444.
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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.
