A group of six teenagers has been formally charged in connection with a significant crime wave across southeast Queensland, culminating in more than 90 alleged offences that have rattled local communities.
A String of Alleged Offences Across Multiple Suburbs
Police allege that between late September and early November, the group, all aged between 14 and 16, committed a total of 92 offences. The charges include serious crimes such as unlawful use of a motor vehicle (UUMV), assault occasioning bodily harm (AOBH), burglary, trespass, and stealing.
The young accused allegedly targeted a wide range of Brisbane suburbs, leaving a trail of concern. The affected areas include Bulimba, Calamvale, Springfield Lakes, Bellbird Park, Park Ridge, Sunnybank Hills, Crestmead, Stretton, Browns Plains, Ashmore, Augustine Heights, and Springfield.
The Dramatic Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Following an extensive police investigation, the juveniles were located and arrested in a series of operations between November 11 and 14. The arrests were part of the broader Operation Xray Steeler, a targeted initiative against youth crime.
One of the arrests was particularly dramatic, with police bodycam footage capturing the moment a 14-year-old boy from Marsden was discovered hiding inside the roof cavity of a home in Kingston.
The group is comprised of:
- Two 14-year-old boys from Marsden and Scarborough
- A 14-year-old girl from Caboolture
- Two 15-year-old girls from Browns Plains and Waterford
- A 16-year-old girl from Crestmead
The 16-year-old girl from Crestmead was the first to be taken into custody on November 11. She faces multiple charges, including unlawful use of a motor vehicle and assault occasioning bodily harm. She remains in custody and is scheduled to appear at the Brisbane Children’s Court on December 2.
The 14-year-old boy from Marsden, arrested after the roof incident, is confronting a staggering 20 charges. His matters will be heard at the Beenleigh Children’s Court on December 8.
Broader Crackdown and Official Statements
Acting Inspector Justin Anderson emphasised the police force's dedication to community safety. “Wherever we receive reports of harm or fear being caused in our community, our local officers will be relentless in pursuing justice for the victims and preventing further offending,” he stated.
This police action aligns with a wider crackdown on youth crime championed by Premier David Crisafulli, which involves deploying more officers and pushing for stronger consequences for offenders.
The results of Operation Xray Steeler have been substantial. Since its launch in early October, the operation has led to more than 500 people being charged with over 1500 offences. Additional statistics highlight the scale of the effort:
- 15 knives seized
- 11 search warrants executed
- 563 street checks conducted
- 1,769 hot spot patrols
- 932 traffic infringement notices issued
Since September, police have charged 525 offenders, including 106 juveniles, for 1551 offences across the southeast Queensland region.
