Police have charged three people as part of the culmination of a two-month-long operation targeting the theft of catalytic converters across the South Eastern Region.
'Operation Victor Virgae' commenced in February in response to a high-volume of Diesel Particulate Diffusers stolen across the Gold Coast and Logan districts, including the theft of truck parts from a dealership in Arundel valued around $250,000.
Following comprehensive investigations, Gold Coast detectives executed six search warrants around 6am on Tuesday, March 28, at Yamanto, Booval, Redbank Plains, Collingwood Park, Bellbird Park and an address in Woodridge.
An 18-year-old Yamanto man was charged with 15 counts of stealing, 12 counts of enter premises, 14 counts of wilful damage, two counts of trespass and one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and receiving tainted property.
He is due to appear at Ipswich Magistrates Court on April 14.
A 23-year-old Redbank Plains man was charged with 14 counts of stealing and two counts each of enter premises and wilful damage.
He is due to reappear at Ipswich Magistrates Court on April 26.
A 16-year-old Collingwood Park boy was charged with 17 counts of enter premises, 12 counts of stealing and one count each of unlicensed driving, fraud, going armed to cause fear, receiving tainted property, trespass, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and wilful damage.
He is due to appear at Ipswich Childrens Court at a later date.
Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch Detective Senior Sergeant Luke Flood said these arrests highlight the Queensland Police Service's commitment to stopping this trend.
"We will continue to target this kind of property-theft and our officers remain focused on investigating and taking action against all those involved in the theft of catalytic converters, " Detective Senior Sergeant Flood said.
Investigations continue.
Please see the below footage in relation to the closure of Operation Victor Virgae:
- First clip: Police are seeking public assistance to identify the man in grey who may be able to assist with investigations following an alleged theft on Beaudesert Road in Rocklea on January 2.
- Second clip: Police are seeking public assistance to identify the man in grey who may be able to assist with investigations following an alleged theft on Ern Harley Drive in Burleigh Heads on February 9.
- Third clip: Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a white Ford Falcon station wagon, involved in an alleged theft on Chrome Street in Salisbury on December 18.
- Fourth clip: Police are seeking public assistance to identify the man in grey who may be able to assist with investigations following an alleged theft on Balham Road in Archerfield on January 4.
- Fifth clip: Arrest of an 18-year-old Yamanto man at Yamanto on Tuesday March 28 and subsequent search warrant at Sandalwood Drive.
- Still images of some of the alleged stolen items seized during the six search warrants.
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.
