Knife gang in brutal attacks
YOUNG thieves threatened to stab an Aitkenvale mother’s eyes during a “brutal” crime spree which has sparked a major police operation.
Taskforce Quebec Sturgeon was established yesterday after a series of violent armed robberies throughout Kirwan where schoolkids were threatened with knives.
Maryan Mohamed had dropped her daughter off to school and was walking back from the shops along Alfred St, Aitkenvale, yesterday morning when a man jumped out of a stolen car and tried to grab her bag.
Ms Mohamed said the bandits told her, “I want to take this bag”, and then held a knife up to her eyes, threatening to stab her.
She fled, losing her phone while doing so, and was hurt in a fall as she was running away.
She said the thieves were in a red Holden Commodore and the two boys and girl looked indigenous in appearance.
Ms Mohamed was too scared to be photographed yesterday, fearing the thieves would return.
The Somalian native had lived in the area for two years and said it was the first time something like this had happened.
The red Commodore was dumped outside an Overton Ct, Kirwan, home later yesterday morning, sparking a massive police response.
Uniformed police and detectives established a cordon in the area while the dog squad began searching for the offenders.
In total, six armed robberies were carried out over about three hours yesterday morning.
A schoolboy reportedly had a knife held to his throat as the thieves tried to steal his watch.
That robbery was thwarted when a passing motorist honked their horn and scared the thieves.
A girl was then threatened with a knife and had her phone stolen outside Kirwan State High School.
It prompted a warning to be issued on social media for parents and students by Kirwan State High School executive principal Meredith Wenta.
The crime spree began with the theft of cars from Wheeler Ct, Kirwan, and Bergin Rd, Cranbrook, on Thursday night.
A fuel drive- off was then reported at Mount Louisa and a man attempted to steal a woman’s car at knifepoint outside a Bamford Ln, Kirwan, grocery store at about 6.30am yesterday.
The gang of youths then stole a man’s car keys while he was at Long Tan Pool in Heatley. When he left to get his spare keys the youths returned to the pool and stole his car, which was later found damaged on John Melton Black Dr, Garbutt.
Townsville Crime Services Group Detective Acting Inspector Phil Watts could not recall as many robberies in one incident in more than two decades of policing.
He confirmed a major investigation centre had been established and a minimum of 15 detectives, along with officers from the Rapid Action Patrol group, Tactical Crime Squad, Dog Squad and general duties were working to arrest those responsible.
“The behaviour is mindblowingly brutal and absolutely disgusting,” Acting- Insp Watts said.
“This is the highest priority we have.”
He expected the offenders had “gone to ground” as police ramped up their efforts.
“The behaviour of these in-
dividuals is abhorrent and will not be tolerated,” he said.
A 15- year- old boy was arrested on Thuringowa Dr yesterday morning in relation to the robberies and charges were still being finalised.
The boy was assisting police with investigations.
Rod Barker’s friend, a 56year- old Kirwan woman, was the owner of the red Holden Commodore stolen on Thursday night.
The thieves snuck in and stolen cash, jewellery and a handbag along with the car.
The first the victim knew of the theft was when police told her it had been dumped, with significant rear- end damage.
“It’s bloody ridiculous,” Mr Barker said. “They go to court and they do nothing.
“We thought we might’ve found it ( car) in better condition but it’ll be a write- off. I’d like to have caught them.”
Anyone who saw a red 2007 Holden Commodore Queensland registration 171LKO, a red Mazda B2600 utility Queensland registration 805IQT or a silver 2004 Hydundai Elantra with Queensland registration 492HXK yesterday morning is urged to contact police.
Dash cam footage is also sought by police and anyone who has any further information is urged to come forward immediately.