Police have charged a man following the alleged attempted theft of multiple vehicles in Southport yesterday, July 25.
Around 3.40pm, it will be alleged the offender approached a white Mercedes on Nerang Street in Southport, pulled the driver from the vehicle, and attempted to get into the vehicle. The driver pulled the alleged offender from the vehicle who then fled the scene, running towards Scarborough Street.
Around 3.50pm, a driver was sitting in her Subaru Outback near White and Scarborough Streets in Southport when it is alleged the offender approached her driver's side window and presented a replica firearm. He then grabbed the victim by her arm to get her out of her car before he got in.
A nearby witness observed the incident taking place and intervened. The alleged offender exited the vehicle and left the scene on foot along White Street and onto Owens Lane in Southport.
Around 3.55pm, it will be alleged the offender attempted to steal keys from a woman while threatening her with the replica gun. The victim screamed for help and the offender fled on foot.
It will be alleged that shortly after the offender attended Whitby Street where he entered two residences, damaged a vehicle and attempted to steal a Toyota Hiace van but was unsuccessful.
Police attended, and the man was taken into custody in Whitby Street around 5pm.
It is alleged he was found in possession of stolen credit cards.
Early investigations by police indicate the firearm is believed to be fake.
The 18-year-old man from Aberglasslyn (NSW) has been charged with two counts of attempted robbery armed/in company/wounded/used personal violence and enter premises and commit indictable offence by break, and one count each of attempted Enter dwelling with intent uses/threatens violence damages property, wilful damage, contravene direction or requirement Police Officer and receiving tainted property.
He is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court, July 26.
