Detectives from the Townsville Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) are appealing for public assistance following a robbery in the Townsville CBD on 17 March.

Around 2.45pm, a 45-year-old woman was allegedly walking on Sturt Street in the direction of the intersection at Sturt and Stanley Streets, when she was approached by an unknown person.

It is alleged the person snatched the woman’s bag which contained a large sum of cash, and fled the scene toward the intersection at Sturt and Blackwood Streets.

Investigators are appealing for anyone with information, relevant CCTV or dashcam footage of the area between 2.55pm-3.05pm on 17 March, particularly the Stanley and Blackwood Street intersection, to come forward.

Appeal for information

Police are appealing for CCTV or dashcam footage at the above location on 17 March 2026 from 2.55pm – 3.05pm.

Operation Yankee Forge is a six-month, district-led, statewide initiative targeting high-harm and high-volume offences, including unlawful use of motor vehicles, unlawful entry and robbery.

The operation will enhance policing activities across Queensland to reduce victim numbers and strengthen community safety.

Police regions, supported by specialist squads, will undertake coordinated disruption activities across the state. Police will target high-harm offenders and work closely with partner agencies to ensure offenders are held accountable. With a strong focus on crime prevention, police will be highly visible as they prevent, disrupt and investigate offending, with particular emphasis on unlawful use, robbery and unlawful entry.

The operation will be locally led and centrally coordinated, leveraging the knowledge and experience of officers who know their communities best.

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