Six to face 33 charges
Police deploy mobile unit in CBD
SIX people were charged with 33 offences on Thursday night as police try to stem the rising tide of property-related crime in the Far North.
One Manunda man alone racked up 14 charges, including nine counts of unlawful entry and five charges related to theft.
Police allege the man broke into properties across the city, including in the CBD, Parramatta Park and Mooroobool.
The man was arrested by police after they identified him from CCTV footage. He was scheduled to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on Friday.
Manoora, Machans Beach, Mount Peter and Redlynch were also alleged targets of vehicle theft, burglary and property damage.
Thursday night’s wave of charges comes off the back of surging crime in Cairns CBD that has left local shop owners at breaking point.
Police arrested two people, including a 16-year-old girl, in response to an assault outside of a Lake St shop on Saturday, April 30. She faces three charges, including two counts of common assault. She was given bail on strict conditions and will appear before the Cairns Children’s Court.
Police are still investigating an assault on Shields St shop owner Syed Ali that occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, despite multiple witnesses filming the incident on their phones.
Cairns police have conducted presence activation operations during the week in order to contain the escalating rates of assault and property damage. More will be deployed to provide greater security to the public.
“Queensland police remain committed to keeping the CBD safe utilising a diverse range of high visibility assets regularly conducting proactive patrols,” said a Cairns police spokeswoman.
“This includes the deployment of the mobile police beat.”
The mobile police beat, described as a “police station on wheels”, will be deployed in accordance with local crime hot spots, changes in crime trends and community concerns.
Police urge the community to engage with the mobile beat to report a crime or make a statement. Suspicious behaviour can be reported online via Policelink or by phoning 131 444.