Sunshine Coast police have charged 53 people on 100 offences, including 15 juveniles, during the first month of Operation Yankee Forge, as part of a statewide crackdown high harm offending.

The highly visible operation focuses on targeting unlawful use, robbery, and unlawful entry offences, with officers focused on preventing, disrupting and investigating crime.

Around 4.30pm on 17 March, highway patrol officers will allege a stolen motorbike was being driven dangerously along Perwillowen Road in Burnside and the rider failed to stop for police.

A 36-year-old Nambour man was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle. He is due to face Nambour Magistrates Court on 20 April.

Around 1.20am on 28 March, a man attended an address on Driers Road in Cooran and entered a blue Mazda BT 50 that was parked outside.

When the 39-year-old female resident and owner of the vehicle approached the man, he allegedly threatened her with a knife before driving off in her vehicle.

Police intercepted the Mazda on Wises Road and arrested the man.

A 32-year-old Maroochydore man was charged with one count each of armed robbery, dangerous operation of a vehicle, evading police, driving under the influence of liquor, driving unaccompanied as a learner, possess property suspected of being used in connection with the commission of a drug offence, and two counts of possessing dangerous drugs.

He is due to face Maroochydore Magistrates Court on 30 March.

Sunshine Coast District Officer Superintendent Craig Hawkins said these results are a reflection of the good work officers perform across the district on a daily basis in keeping the Sunshine Coast safe.

He also said it shows the positive relationships local police have with members of the public.

“Information provided by the community allows us to react quickly to prevent criminal activity and possible further victims,” he said.

“The assistance and support of the Sunshine Coast community allow us to maintain the safe environment and lifestyle we enjoy, and police are committed to keeping the Sunshine Coast the safest place in the state.”

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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