Detectives have charged two men alleged to have been involved in the theft of thousands of dollars from Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) located at recycling plants across the state's south east.
Investigators from the Nambour Criminal Investigation Branch commenced Operation Sierra Toucan following a break and enter at a recycling business in Narangba on June 6 where two offenders allegedly used cutting tools to force open an ATM at the location.
The pair then fled with more than $20,000 in cash.
In July another recycling centre was successfully targeted at Caloundra West and a further break-in was attempted at a business in North Lakes.
On August 12, offenders gained access to a recycling centre in Glanmire and disabled the security system, however the alleged thieves left empty-handed as the business owner had removed the cash that day from the ATM as a precaution.
The remnants of the dismantled ATM were located on scene.
It is further alleged that overnight on November 22 a business located in Parkinson that supplies equipment to fire service organisations was broken into and three sets of hydraulic rescue tools ("Jaws of Life") were stolen.
At around 3am on November 23, detectives intercepted a vehicle alleged to be connected to the theft travelling northbound on the Bruce Highway through Glass House Mountains.
The two male occupants were arrested after a search allegedly uncovered the stolen "Jaws of Life" in the back of the vehicle.
Police will allege these tools were intended for the purpose of assisting further break-in attempts.
A 32-year-old Little Mountain man and a 39-year-old Parrearra man were both charged with four counts of enter premises with intent to cause indictable offence by break, three counts of wilful damage and one count of attempted enter premises with intent.
Both men appeared in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on November 23 and are due to reappear on February 19, with the 39-year-old man remanded in custody.
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.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
