Fury at crime spree
TOWNSVILLE’S top cop has said a crime spree which saw six armed robberies committed within the space of a few hours was “disgraceful and inexcusable”.
During the Friday crime rampage, members of the public were threatened with knives, while police tried to intercept stolen cars across the city.
An 18- year- old Vincent man was arrested over the weekend and charged in relation to the offences, while a 15year- old boy was arrested on Friday morning
Chief Superintendent Kevin Guteridge spoke about the crime spree while at a community crime prevention day on Saturday.
“I am just as enraged about it as anyone else is,” he said.
“No one has the right to conduct themselves like that under ( any) circumstances.
“There’s no doubt in my mind there was potential for it to escalate far further than it did.”
Chief Supt Guteridge said the crime prevention day, presented by Neighbourhood Watch Australasia, was a great opportunity for residents to do their bit to help stop crime.
“In essence, Neighbourhood Watch members across the state double the number of eyes we have for the police department,” he said.
“I commend all the existing members of Neighbourhood Watch and all I can do is advise others in the community who want to be part of something better to join the organisation that does wonderful things for the community.”
Concerned resident Sam Costanzo attended the forum and said he felt very frustrated for the police.
“I’d hate to be doing their job,” he said. “The youth crime has been happening for far too long now.”
A police taskforce, Opera- tion Quebec Sturgeon, was set up on Friday specifically to find and arrest the group behind the wave of offences.
The 18- year- old has been charged with two counts each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and armed robbery, and one count each of attempted robbery, attempted fraud, enter premises and stealing.
He has been refused bail to reappear in the Townsville Magistrates Court on August 8.
Meanwhile, a vehicle ploughed through fencing at the Fairfield Waters McDonald’s after losing control yesterday afternoon.
The vehicle, a white Toyota LandCruiser, caused extensive damage scene.
Police are unsure whether or not it was stolen but are appealing for public assistance to locate the vehicle, which is likely damaged.
Anyone with information that could assist police should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. before it fled the