Tip-off sparks arrest

Teens facing robbery charges

A VIGILANT motorist, noticing something wasn’t quite right with a car on the road, has helped police apprehend two boys who allegedly robbed a Smithfield shop.

Senior Constable Georgie Carland said the 15-year-old boys started their journey after stealing a Toyota Prado from a Mount Sheridan house early on Friday morning.

“About 5.30am on Friday morning the vehicle was used and involved in an incident at Night Owl at Trinity Beach, in which offenders have allegedly used a baseball bat to break into that premises,” she said.

She said less than 10 minutes later the boys took the same bat to IGA at Smithfield and threatened an employee and two men stocking bread in the shop.

“Two offenders have entered the IGA store and have made demands for cash, however were unsuccessful in obtaining any,” she said.

“They (the witnesses) were extremely frightened, and fearful of their life being threatened, they called 000 immediately.”

But it wasn’t until Sunday afternoon that a member of the public called police after seeing a Nissan driving erratically along the Bruce Highway.

“Police responded shortly after and located and apprehended three offenders from that stolen vehicle at Aloomba,” Snr Const Carland said.

“Those three offenders had been involved in the robbery and the enter premise offence.”

She said all witnesses made the right decision to call police.

“Obviously we remind the community to be vigilant and mindful when considering a civilian arrest,” she said.

“It’s best to call 000 and get police attendance as soon as possible.”

One boy was charged with armed robbery, entering a premises with intent, possession of a dangerous drug, unlicensed driving and two counts each of burglary, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing. The second boy was charged with entering a premises, robbery, two counts each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and attempted burglary and four counts of burglary after police carried out investigations into other offences.

Far North District Chief Superintendent Brian Huxley said the quick arrests were thanks to the Criminal Investigations Branch in Cairns’ new focus on robberies.