Police have arrested 10 young people in 10 days on 121 charges in relation to more than 40 property offences across the Sunshine Coast since last month.
The Sunshine Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) established Operation Cornmeal to identify, locate and arrest a number of juveniles after multiple reports of break and enters and stolen cars during August and September in suburbs including Maroochydore, Birtinya, Buderim, Alexandra Headland, Maleny, Wurtulla, Coolum Beach, Peregian Beach, Castaways Beach, Mount Coolum, Kuluin, Caloundra West, and Diddillibah.
Since September 2, dedicated investigations have led police to locate and arrest 10 teenagers.
A 14-year-old Baringa girl has been charged with 11 counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, nine counts of unlicensed driving, eight counts of stealing, five counts of enter and commit, and one count each of dangerous operation of a vehicle, evade police, unlawful entry of motor vehicle, and trespass. She is due to appear in the Maroochydore Childrens Court on September 18.
A 14-year-old Sippy Downs boy has been charged with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, wilful damage, possess implement of housebreaking, unlicenced driving and possess category M weapon. He is due to appear in the Maroochydore Childrens Court on October 9.
A 15-year-old Buderim girl has been charged with five counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, three counts of stealing and one count of enter dwelling and commit and obstruct police officer. She is due to appear in Maroochydore Childrens Court on September 18.
A 17-year-old Bli Bli boy has been charged with four counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, two counts of enter premises with intent to commit, and one count each of obstruct police, enter dwelling and commit, stealing, and enter dwelling with intent. He has been dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
A 16-year-old Pacific Paradise girl has been charged with three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, two counts of stealing an one count of burglary. She is due to appear in Maroochydore Childrens Court on September 13.
A 13-year-old Currimundi girl has been charged with six counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, four counts of burglary, three counts of unlicensed driving, and one count each of stealing, common assault, unlawful possession of stolen property, bail act warrant, unlawful take away goods and driving without due care. She is due to appear in Maroochydore Childrens Court on September 13.
Sunshine Coast CPIU Officer in Charge Detective Senior Sergeant Kerri Della-Vedova said police take incidents of serious recidivist youth offending seriously and are committed to seeking justice for victims.
"Through Operation Cornmeal, the community can be assured that we're working to identify, locate and arrest young people who choose to repeatedly commit offences on the Sunshine Coast," Detective Senior Sergeant Della-Vedova said.
"CPIU detectives will continue to target this high-level offending which causes harm in our community.
"While our Sunshine Coast Youth Co-Responder Team and Youth Engagement Hub are also working to engage with and divert young people at-risk of offending or just starting to commit crime, with the aim of reducing offences into the future."
Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police.
0.30 - 1.20 refers to the arrest of a 14-year-old Sippy Downs boy after crashing an allegedly stolen Volkswagen Golf at the end of Jobs Road in Baringa on September 6.
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.
