Robbery daily event in city

TOWNSVILLE has recorded almost one robbery a day in the first week of July, prompting an increase of patrols across 24/7 facilities.

In the week ending Sunday, six robberies were committed across Townsville, including three by the same alleged suspect, which police described as “heinous offences”.

For the entire month of June Townsville recorded a total of eight robberies, three fewer than May, according to the Queensland Police Service Online Crime Map.

Townsville Police Detective Inspector Chris Lawson said there had been a spate of robberies in the first week of July, which was “unusual” but dismissed community concerns.

“Just because we’ve had six … in a week, it doesn’t mean it’s going to continue at that rate so we’re actively out there in the community to knock it on the head,” he said.

It’s understood there has been an increase in patrolling within the Mundingburra Police Division around the 24/7 facilities. On Sunday night, police arrested and charged a 46-year-old Gulliver man accused of unsuccessfully robbing a suburban fish and chip shop, as well as holding up two service stations with a pocket knife and demanding money and cigarettes.

Det Insp Lawson said the alleged offending was brazen although unsophisticated, but it was concerning for all involved.

“While we have had six so far in the first week, we’ve been able to attribute three of those specifically to one offender,” he said.

Charges have also been laid against an alleged robber who approached and punched a man and stole his wallet early in the morning on July 1.

On the same day, a woman was robbed in her Railway Estate property by a person known to her. The robber got away with some cash and remains on the run. Detectives are still searching for a man who also robbed an Aitkenvale pharmacy on Friday night.