Multiple charges for teens

FOUR teenagers have been charged with stealing a car and other property crimes after a police pursuit in Townsville.

Police used road spikes to slow an allegedly stolen Toyota Corolla when as it was driven through the intersection of Halifax St and Meenan St in Garbutt about 1.45am yesterday.

It will be alleged the vehicle was then directed to stop by police use of emergency lights and sirens but the vehicle failed to stop as directed and a pursuit began.

Townsville Police Western Patrol Group acting Inspector Brett Humphries said the low speed pursuit was deemed safe because of the lack of traffic.

The Corolla continued to be driven at low speeds until all the rubber was stripped from the tyres and the car came to rest in Shaw Rd at Bohle Plains. The vehicle’s four occupants tried to flee on foot but they were immediately caught.

“It was an excellent opportunity for us ( to use road spikes) and it’s been successful,” Insp Humphries said.

“If circumstances allow us, there is no reason why we can’t pursue a vehicle.”

The car was allegedly stolen from an address in Hyde Park about 1am. A 16- year- old Cosgrove boy, the alleged driver, faces two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, two counts of burglary and commit indictable offence, and one count each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed driving and failing to stop a motor vehicle.

A 14- year- old Heatley boy, and 13- year- old Ingham and Mount Louisa girls have been charged with two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, burglary and commit indictable offence, and stealing.