Oldie but a good one
A FEISTY elderly Woree man has turned the tables on a teenage burglar who received more than he bargained for during a night-time home invasion.
The 84-year-old woke at 2am yesterday and disturbed the intruder before getting out of bed and confronting him near the front door.
It is alleged the 17-year-old said to the elderly occupant: “I’ve got a knife, give me your money or I’ll kill you”, before the man gave him the best “up yours” we’ve heard in ages.
A FEISTY elderly Woree man has sent a young burglar running for the hills after waking up and finding the teenager in his bedroom.
The 84-year-old woke about 2am yesterday and disturbed the intruder before getting out of bed and confronting him near the front door.
It is alleged the 17-year-old said to the elderly occupant: “I’ve got a knife, give me your money or I’ll kill you”, before the man responded: “I’ll ram that up you and kill you first.”
The teenager, also from Woree, then fled, running through the yard and jumping a back fence.
The quick-thinking victim then called police, who arrived a short time later, cordoning off the area and taking the teen into custody in nearby Erang St within 10 minutes.
“Several items of property located in his possession will be alleged to have been stolen from the Sandown Close residence,” a police spokesman said.
The teen was subsequently charged with one count each of burglary, attempted robbery whilst armed, and possession of a drug utensil.
Cairns Property Crime Squad Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Adrian Worth said the alleged home invasion would have been “concerning and frightening” for anyone.
“The victim’s sanctuary, his home, has been invaded,” he said.
“In this instance the victim has decided to confront the alleged offender and fortunately it has caused him to run from the scene.
“However people need to be mindful that if they are put in a situation where they are confronted by an offender who may be affected by substances or armed they may not react rationally.
“A situation could escalate and the victim could be hurt.”
The teen will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.