209 people have been charged with 412 offences during a major multi-level operation in the Far North over the past seven days.
Operation Whiskey Legion commenced on September 25 with specialist police from Highway Patrol, Crime and Intelligence Command, Rail Squad and Crime Prevention working alongside local officers to target high-risk offenders causing harm in the community.
The additional officers were deployed to Cairns, the Tablelands and the Cassowary Coast.
In total, 176 adults were arrested on 321 charges, and 33 young people were charged with 91 offences.
On September 28, officers from the Cairns Criminal Investigation Branch and Public Response Safety Team arrested two Mooroobool boys aged 14 and 16.
It will be alleged an air rifle was stolen from a Bentley Park property on September 26, before the boys were seen carrying the weapon in Mooroobool on September 27.
Both boys were arrested at a Mooroobool home and the rifle was recovered.
The 14-year-old boy was charged with five counts of enter dwelling, one count of unlawful possession of weapon, wilful damage and carry dangerous goods in a vehicle.
He was due to appear in the Cairns Childrens Court yesterday, October 2.
The 16-year-old was charged with one count of unlawful possession of weapon.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in the Cairns Childrens Court on October 25.
On October 1, detectives executed a search warrant at a Mareeba property in relation to an alleged theft from a Mulgrave Road shopping centre on September 17.
It will be alleged officers located and seized approximately $1000 worth of stolen toys.
A 24-year-old Mareeba woman and a 29-year-old Biboohra woman were both charged with one count of stealing.
Both are scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on October 16.
During Operation Whiskey Legion, police conducted 248 wandings in the Cairns Safe Night Precinct, at shopping centres, and public transport stations.
3230 roadside breath tests were conducted, including at a static site in Port Douglas on September 29, and 262 Traffic Infringement Notices were issued.
Police also seized 18 weapons as part of weapons licencing audits and engaged with 1621 members of the public.
Far North District Officer Chief Superintendent Kevin Fitzgibbon said the District was grateful for Operation Whiskey Legion's support during the past week.
"This surge operation saw fantastic results, with deploying officers supporting the frontline to enhance public safety," Chief Superintendent Fitzgibbon said.
"The community can be assured that our efforts in targeting offenders causing our community harm will continue, and we are equipped to deal with the changing demands of the district."
Since Operation Whiskey Legion launch in April, 3686 people have been charged with 9150 offences.
Operation Whiskey Legion will continue with rolling deployments in areas across Queensland.
Key statistics:
- Police conducted 246 high visibility patrols of hotspots across the district, including shopping centres and public transport stations.
- Officers engaged with 111 victims and offered 33 referrals.
- 3230 roadside breath tests and 418 roadside drug tests were conducted, with officers issuing 262 traffic infringement notices.
- Police carried out 68 warrants, including 32 search warrants.
- 285 street checks were completed and officers engaged with 1621 members of the public.
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.
