OUT OF CONTROL
KIDS CRASH STOLEN CAR
THREE children — aged 12, 13 and 16 — have been charged after a stolen ute they were in slammed into a car early yesterday.
Police said the stolen Ford Ranger ploughed into a Hyundai i20 on Fullham Rd about 2.30am yesterday with the Hyundai’s 19year- old male driver needing treatment in hospital. The ute ( above) is owned by Towns- ville businessman Paul Spina ( inset). Mr Spina’s Chelsea Dr home was broken into early on Saturday and his wallet and car keys stolen before the thieves took off in the ute.
Mr Spina has called for police to be given more powers to stop car thieves. The three boys were charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and police are believed to be looking for up to four other people.
THREE children have been charged after a stolen ute allegedly crashed into a car on a major Townsville road after rampaging throughout the city for 24 hours.
Police say a stolen white Ford Ranger ploughed into a silver Hyundai i20 on Fullham Rd, Heatley, about 2.30am yesterday.
A 19- year- old Belgian Gardens man, who was driving the Hyundai, was taken to hospital for treatment and released yesterday afternoon.
The boys, aged 12, 13 and 16 have been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and police are believed to be looking for up to four others in relation to the incident.
The Ford was allegedly taken from Chelsea Drive, Condon, the night before.
Its owner, Townsville businessman Paul Spina, has called for police to be given more powers to stop stolen cars and serious punishment for those involved. Mr Spina said he knew where the car was and how recklessly it was being driven several times throughout Saturday.
“It’s a fairly identifiable car and I had people calling me,” Mr Spina said.
“I had a mate tell me I was driving at 200km/ h.
“I had someone I sold a house to last year think they waved at me and then saw me doing burnouts … they thought I’d lost my mind.”
Mr Spina said by chance on Saturday he was in another vehicle behind his stolen car. He said he contacted police but was told there was not much that could be done.
He said politicians needed to bring in real consequences for offenders and increase police powers.
“The chasing of cars in cer- tain areas like small streets I am not for but these kids were on major roads and arterials where they could be chased and stopped,” Mr Spina said.
“If I was a member of a political party I’d be jumping up and down going nuts about this situation right now.
“This kid who got hit could have died. It’s just absolutely disgraceful and there needs to be some consequences.”
Mr Spina’s car and wallet were stolen from his home about 3.30am on Saturday.
Townsville Police District Duty Officer Senior Sergeant Kay Osborn said police were still looking for several offenders.
She said it was disappointing to see children committing offences but it was unfortunately now “commonplace”.
“We don’t know who the driver was at this stage so police are requesting assistance in relation to anyone who … could identify who was driving,” Sen- Sgt Osborn said
The 12- year- old and 13year- old boys will face Townsville Children’s Court tomorrow. The 16- year- old, who was also charged with two counts of receiving tainted property, will be dealt with under the Youth Justice Act.
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Police Link on 131 444.