Border force outwit teens

IN tales from the wild west, outlaws would head for the border to escape capture from the pursuing law – something young criminals are trying to emulate in our own “dodge city’’.

The Queensland-NSW border has become a haven for criminals attempting to run from police, using Coolangatta and Tweed in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

On Tuesday night five teens attempted to dodge justice in an allegedly stolen Subaru Forester, baiting the law on both sides of the border.

It is understood the juveniles had been on a days-long crime spree, ending in multiple chases in cars and on foot in both states, before they were tracked by a Queensland police dog squad.

Police will allege the teens, aged 13-17, stole a car from Tugun on Monday afternoon. They were spotted on Tweed Valley Way at Tumbulgum about 5.30am on Tuesday.

Attempts were made to stop the car but the driver, who police allege was a 15-year-old boy they later arrested, began driving dangerously and the chase was called off soon after as the car was driven across the border into Queensland.

Fifteen hours later the car was spotted again and with the use of the police helicopter it was seen border hopping between 10.15-10.50pm, coming to a stop in Close, Tweed Heads.

A Queensland dog squad tracked three of the offenders down, with police quickly arresting two boys aged 15 and 13, and a 17-year-old girl.

Two other girls, 14 and 16, were found a short time later.

The five have been charged with stealing, dangerous driving and drug offences, as well before Rosella as resisting police. It is understood Gold Coast detectives are investigating a number of offences.

Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd said criminals were “kidding themselves” if they thought they could flee justice by using the border.

“There are some people that think they can use the border to somehow avoid either detection or interception by law enforcement by police on either side of the border,” Mr Codd said.

“If anyone thinks they are somehow going to be successful at avoiding detection during criminal behaviour, by using the border, they’re kidding themselves.

“We have an incredibly strong and co-operative relationship with New South Wales police across the border.

“There are large numbers of police on both sides of the border who are sworn in or recognised as law enforcement officers either side of the border.

“We also have joint radio communications, understandings of different approaches and regular meetings at all levels.”

IF ANYONE THINKS THEY ARE GOING TO ... AVOID DETECTION BY USING THE BORDER, THEY’RE KIDDING THEMSELVES.