Thieves put wrecks in ‘burnt car graveyard’
AN INFLUX of car crimes across the Cairns region has prompted police to reiterate the importance of locking up.
Trace Davenport moved to Bentley Park about six months ago only to learn the area was a hotspot for young people burning out cars.
She said with her husband, Brett, the emergency services had been contacted twice about the fires and there were now up to six burnt-out cars left lying around the area.
“It’s like a car graveyard out here,” she said.
“I am extremely mad as to why this is continuously allowed to happen.
“My husband and I have rang the fire department plus police on two occasions who attended promptly, but we’re unsure if anyone has ever been arrested on these incidents.”
Mrs Davenport said the most recent episode was on Monday night, leaving her concerned about her family’s safety.
“We’re thinking of getting some cameras put up ... you don’t know what’s going to happen,” she said.
“It’s such a beautiful development and it looks like a peaceful place, but from the porch it looks like the Bronx.”
Senior Constable Heidi Marek said she was unable to identify if the burnt-out car was stolen, but confirmed that eight cars were stolen on Monday night.
“We understand there’s a particular group that’s going around stealing car after car,” she said.
“They’re generally travelling in groups of 4-7 people and what they’re targeting is lack of security.
“Sometimes the cars are found with damage, because they treat them like dodgem cars, and others there’s not a scratch.”
Sen-Constable Marek said September was on track to surpass last month’s figures (59) with 28 cars stolen so far.
“It’s not going to be a good month and we’re well and truly on track to pass last month’s figures,” she said.
“There’s very that’s forced entry the time it’s by homes and cars.
“People’s attitudes don’t change until they lose their car.” few cases ... most of unlocked Watch the video online at www.cairnspost.com.au