Cops at ‘wits end’ with youth spree
State authorities say police have been made aware of the recent release of multiple juvenile detainees on the Gold Coast as frustrated officers battle a teen crime spree they believe is linked to the same gang.
Police sources claim resources have stretched citywide for several days now with multiple break-ins and car thefts, all believed to be caused by a small number of notorious repeat offenders.
On Wednesday morning a stolen white BMW linked to a number of offences was dumped on the northern Gold Coast. Another stolen vehicle, a white Lexus with the registration plates 936WEW, was being tracked by officers on the M1 at about 10am.
Police were appealing for the public not to approach the vehicle or occupants, but if they come across it to immediately call triple-0.
The situation has officers across the Gold Coast at their wits end. Some claim the juveniles, believed to be part of a group released recently from detention by the court, have offended within hours of being back in the community.
The spree police claim to be the work of the same gang of youths began last Thursday evening. Three police vehicles were damaged near Mermaid Waters as officers boxed in an alleged stolen car with teens onboard.
Two of the offenders had reportedly been out of custody for about 48 hours.
Then on Sunday, at least eight masked and heavily armed teens broke into a property along Oyster Cove Promenade, Helensvale just before 6am, stealing two luxury vehicles, wrecking a garage corner and terrifying a family inside with two young kids.
It’s believed three hours prior to the Helensvale incident, the same group dumped a stolen Mazda in the driveway of a family home at Pimpama and deliberately attempted to set it on fire.
Officers have been unable to keep track of the number of call-outs associated with the group. Every attempt is being made to track down those responsible.
The Department of Youth Justice wouldn’t reveal how many juveniles had been released from custody in the past fortnight to reside on the Gold Coast.
A spokesman said it was a decision for the courts.
“The Department and the Police Service are aware of releases from custody,” the spokesman said.
“In March 2022, the 72-hour release plans for serious repeat offenders exiting detention commenced.
“These plans provide a detailed schedule on how a young person will spend the first 72 hours after exiting detention, recognising this is a high risk period for reoffending.”
Anyone who spots a suspicious vehicle near their home or on the roads is urged to contact police.