Far North police have charged more than 121 people with 425 offences as part of Operation Yankee Forge.
Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing APM launched Operation Yankee Forge in Cairns on 27 February, continuing the work of local police conducting high-visibility patrols and targeting high harm offending in the region.
The highly visible operation will focus on targeting unlawful use, robbery and unlawful entry offences, with officers focused on preventing, disrupting and investigating crime.
On 9 March, Police Dog Duke and his handler located a 14-year-old Gordonvale boy in bushland at Mooroobool following the theft of a Toyota Prius from an Earlville shopping centre on 8 March.
The boy was charged with two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle. He is due to appear in the Cairns Childrens Court on 11 March.
Investigations are continuing.
On 1 March, officers from the Cairns Property Crime Unit arrested an 18-year-old man in relation to the theft of a Mitsubishi ASC and MG ZST from Kewarra Beach addresses, a BYD Shark from Trinity Beach, a wallet from Mount Sheridan and a Holden commodore and quantity of cash from a Trinity Beach address.
The man was charged with four counts of unlawful use of motor vehicle, two counts of stealing, and one count each of enter dwelling and commit and possess dangerous drugs.
On 8 March, officers from the Tactical Crime Squad arrested a 16-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl following the theft of a Hyundai i30 on 5 March.
The 16 -year-old Bentley Park boy with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, possess dangerous drug. He was remanded in custody to reappear in the Cairns Childrens Court on 13 March.
A 16-year-old Bentley Park girl was charged with one count of unlawful use in company. She was scheduled to appear in the Atherton Magistrates Court on 10 March.
A 15-year-old Parramatta Park girl was charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle. She was scheduled to appear in the Cairns Childrens Court on 11 March.
Detective Inspector Kevin Goan said the targeting of stolen vehicles and property offenders as part of Operation Yankee Forge is a continuation of the work done by local officers daily.
“Far North police remain dedicated to disrupting stolen vehicle activity, and preventing property offending across the region,” Detective Inspector Kevin Goan said.
“These police live and work in these communities, they work incredibly hard to ensure their neighbours, friends, colleagues, and fellow community members feel safe.
“We’ll continue high-visibility and covert operations, as well as wandings, bail checks and community engagements to reduce victim numbers.”
0.41 – 0.59: QP26001511563 On 1 March, officers from the Cairns Property Crime Unit arrested an 18-year-old man in relation to the theft of a Mitsubishi ASC and MG ZST from Kewarra Beach addresses, a BYD Shark from Trinity Beach, a wallet from Mount Sheridan and a Holden commodore and quantity of cash from a Trinity Beach address. The man was charged with four counts of unlawful use of motor vehicle, two counts of stealing, and one count each of enter dwelling and commit and possess dangerous drugs.
0.59 – end: QP2600435267 On 8 March, officers from the Tactical Crime Squad arrested a 16-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl following the theft of a Hyundai i30 on 5 March. The 16 -year-old Bentley Park boy with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, possess dangerous drug. He was remanded in custody to reappear in the Cairns Childrens Court on 13 March. A 16-year-old Bentley Park girl was charged with one count of unlawful use in company. She was scheduled to appear in the Atherton Magistrates Court on 10 March. A 15-year-old Parramatta Park girl was charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle. She was scheduled to appear in the Cairns Childrens Court on 11 March.
