Police have charged 13 people on 31 offences during the first two weeks of Operation Yankee Forge on the Sunshine Coast, as part of a statewide crackdown on 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.
On March 9, detectives from the Noosa Criminal Investigation Branch and the Child Protection and Investigation Unit investigating multiple break ins around Peregian Springs and Noosa executed a search warrant at a motel on Weyba Road in Noosaville.
Officers located $6500 in cash and a handgun inside a backpack.
An 18-year-old Sunshine Beach man was charged with five counts of enter premises and commit, and one count of attempt to enter premises and commit.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to face Maroochydore Magistrates Court on May 11.
Around 2.30am on March 13, a black Nissan Navara was taken from a residence on Montego Way in Peregian Beach.
Police located the vehicle undamaged around 4.45pm that same day at a carpark on Crystal Street in Cooroy.
A 19-year-old Burpengary man was charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, as well as two counts of possessing dangerous drugs, and one count each of possess a knife in a public place, possess tainted property and possess utensils or pipes.
He is due to face Maroochydore Magistrates Court on April 2.
Detective Acting Inspector Kerri Della-Vedova said the early result is a testament to the unwavering dedication of officers to target property crime and keep the community safe.
“Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Branch and Child Protection and Investigation Unit have been working closely with our dedicated Property Crime Task Force to share intelligence and coordinate efforts to apprehend offenders swiftly,” she said.
“This teamwork ensures a comprehensive and targeted response, reinforcing our commitment to safeguarding the community and holding offenders accountable.”
The Detective Acting Inspector also said Operation Yankee Forge is already having an impact on the Sunshine Coast community, enhancing community safety and proving residents with peace of mind.
“By swiftly identifying and charging offenders, we are not only disrupting criminal activity but also sending a clear message that property crime will not be tolerated.”
