Crims a driving force of no good
Car theft at record pace
THE frequency of car thefts across the Far North shows no sign of slowing down, with more than 30 vehicles reported stolen in just the first two weeks of this month.
From Gordonvale to the Northern Beaches, a record high of 767 cars were stolen last year, surpassing 602 thefts in 2016.
Those figures have continued to rise at a rapid rate again this year with 33 vehicles stolen so far this month as of yesterday, a rise from just eight vehicles stolen as of March 5.
According to police figures, the Far North experienced a 31 per cent jump in car thefts during the 2016-17 financial year, along with a 7 per cent increase in break-ins.
Officer in Charge of the Cairns Property Crime Squad Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Barry Karamujic said police were arresting people on a daily basis in relation to the thefts across the region.
“There has been an increase in reported property crime in relation to stolen vehicles,” he said.
“We’re working hard to catch the offenders, using police resources including Operation Papa Achieve.
“Police are arresting these offenders, however, we just have to continue working with the community.
“We’ve got a great community up here and we do have a lot of people reporting incidents which is great.”
Det Acting Sen-Sgt Karamujic said it was a timely re- minder that all residents needed to be taking the appropriate steps to lock their doors and windows and secure valuables to ensure they don’t become another statistic.
“It’s a reminder people need to lock up and if anyone does see anything to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Policelink on 131 444,” Sen-Sgt Karamujic said.
Senior Constable Heidi Marek said police were currently seeking public assistance to help locate a number of vehicles stolen across the Far North in the past 28 days.
She urged anyone who sees a stolen vehicle not to attempt to intercept it, but rather to call police. In Queensland, the majority of stolen vehicles are used for joy riding, transport or for use in another crime.
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